“It Was Difficult..”: Jadeja Finally Speaks Out on CSK Captaincy Snub

May 29, 2025: Three years after being unceremoniously removed as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2022, Ravindra Jadeja has finally opened up about the emotional and professional toll the decision took on him.

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Appearing on his teammate Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube show, Kutti Stories with Ash, Jadeja reflected on his brief and turbulent captaincy stint. “It was difficult,” Jadeja admitted. “In T20 cricket, every ball is an event. If the team is not doing well, all the blame falls on the captain—be it field placements, bowling changes, or batting order.”

Jadeja was handed the leadership mantle at the start of IPL 2022 after MS Dhoni stepped down. However, the team endured a dismal start, losing four of their first matches and eventually dropping to the bottom of the table. After just eight games, Dhoni was reinstated as skipper.

Despite speculation of a rift and even rumors that Jadeja might part ways with the franchise, he remained with CSK, silencing critics with a match-winning performance in the 2023 IPL final against Gujarat Titans, helping CSK clinch their fifth title.

Reflecting on that difficult 2022 season, Jadeja said, “If batters and bowlers don’t contribute, then nothing works in T20. Everything starts to look negative. I could have done better, maybe done things differently.”

He also emphasized the importance of adaptability in the T20 format. “Batting orders need to be shuffled. Momentum matters. In hindsight, I learned a lot from the experience.”

Jadeja’s candid remarks shed new light on a turbulent chapter in CSK’s history and underline his growth not just as a cricketer but also as a leader and team player.