Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina wished Ravindra Jadeja well on Thursday after the Indian all-rounder was named captain of the Chennai Super Kings for the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) at the helm since the inaugural edition of the IPL and handed the baton to Jadeja.
Suresh Raina, who has led CSK in the absence of MS Dhoni in the past, said there was nobody better suited to take the reins at CSK than Ravindra Jadeja. Raina, who had played for CSK until 2021, was not sold at the IPL 2022 mega auction after not being held by CSK.
Raina, affectionately nicknamed “Chinna Thala” by CSK fans, expressed confidence that Jadeja will live up to expectations as CSK captain.
Notably, Jadeja was CSK’s highest-paid player among their 4 retentions as the all-rounder received Rs 16 crore while Dhoni took home Rs 12 crore.
“Absolutely thrilled for my brother. I can’t think of anyone better to take the reins of a franchise we both grew up in. All the best @imjadeja . It’s an exciting time and I’m sure you will live up to all the expectations and love,” Raina said in a social media post.
Absolutely thrilled for my brother. I can’t think of anyone better to take the reins of a franchise we both grew up in. All the best @imjadeja . It is an exciting time and I am sure you will live up to all expectations and love #Yellow #csk #WhistlePodu
— Suresh Raina???? (@ImRaina) March 24, 2022
TIME TO TAKE CARE OF JADEJA
MS Dhoni has once again made his decision well as he passes the baton to Jadeja who is in the best shape of his career. The Indian all-rounder will be groomed under Dhoni’s watch, with CSK confirming the former World Cup winner will continue to represent the franchise this season and in the near future.
“MS Dhoni has decided to step down from leadership of the Chennai Super Kings and has chosen Ravindra Jadeja to lead the team. Jadeja, who has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2012, will become only the third player to lead CSK. Dhoni will continue to represent Chennai Super Kings this season and beyond,” CSK said in a statement.
Notably, Dhoni had already given up the Indian limited-overs captaincy back in 2017 and helped prepare Virat Kohli for the 2019 World Cup. Dhoni continued to play as wicketkeeper-batter for India until announcing his retirement in 2020.
Chennai Super Kings begin their campaign on March 26, taking on Kolkata Knight Riders in the season opener in Mumbai.
