Ravindra Jadeja, the veteran Indian all-rounder, has recently opened up about his experiences with captaincy, both with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and his aspirations for leading the Indian Test team. In a candid conversation with fellow cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Jadeja reflected on the challenges he faced during his brief stint as CSK captain in the 2022 IPL season and also expressed his desire to captain the Indian Test team.
Jadeja was appointed as the captain of CSK at the start of the 2022 IPL season, succeeding MS Dhoni. However, the team struggled under his leadership, losing their first four matches. After eight games, with only two wins, Jadeja stepped down, and Dhoni took over again. CSK finished ninth that season. Jadeja has largely remained silent about the issue but recently admitted that he reflected on what he could have done differently. He acknowledged that a captain's influence is limited when the team isn't performing well. "It was difficult. In T20 cricket, every ball is an event. It is a fast game but for me it was an experience. I could have done better. As a captain, if your team is not doing well then all the blame falls on the captaincy. Thinking, bowling changes, fielding chances. Unluckily, the team was not doing well. If we were winning and everyone was contributing, then it was not rocket science," Jadeja said. He further added, "I felt I could have done better, could I have done differently. A few days I thought, but then I realised that when batsmen and bowlers don't contribute then everything looks negative. If you perform well, then everything looks well."
MS Dhoni also commented on Jadeja's captaincy, suggesting that the pressure affected his game. Dhoni felt that the added responsibility burdened Jadeja's preparation and performance. Jadeja's form dipped during that period, and he struggled to contribute effectively with both bat and ball.
Despite the setbacks, Jadeja bounced back and played a crucial role in CSK's success in the following season. He was instrumental in their title victory in 2023, showcasing his resilience and value to the team.
In the same conversation with Ashwin, Jadeja also spoke about his ambition to captain the Indian Test team. When asked what he wants to achieve before retiring, he stated, "Just one thing is left... Test captaincy. I've mostly achieved everything else, and it is a moment of pride to be Test Captain or lead India." He emphasized that he has gained experience playing under different captains and understands the mindset required for leadership. Jadeja also noted the differences between captaining in T20s and Test cricket, saying that Test captaincy is simple but calculative, unlike the hectic nature of T20s.
Jadeja's desire to lead the Test team reflects his passion for the game and his confidence in his leadership abilities. While Shubman Gill has recently been appointed as India's Test captain for the tour to England, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy, Jadeja's experience and understanding of the game make him a strong contender for the role in the future.
Aakash Chopra, a former Indian batter, had suggested that CSK should trade Jadeja due to his inconsistent performances in recent seasons. However, Jadeja remains a key player for CSK, and his contributions with both bat and ball are invaluable. Despite facing challenges and criticism, Ravindra Jadeja has consistently proven his worth as a player and continues to strive for excellence. His recent remarks highlight his ambition and determination to lead, whether it be CSK or the Indian Test team.
