Former India head coach Ravi Shastri wished all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja the best for his new stint as the captain of Chennai Super Kings, saying the star cricketer is more than capable of handling the responsibility in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022.
Speaking to Chennai Super Kings, Ravi Shastri said the added responsibility of being the captain of an IPL franchise for the first time will do wonders to Jadeja’s cricketing acumen.
Jadeja was named as CSK captain, two days ahead of the start of the new season after MS Dhoni decided to step down from the role. Dhoni handed over the reins to Jadeja with CSK, the 4-time champions, confirmed that their former captain will continue representing the franchise “in the ongoing season and beyond”.
Shastri, who had worked closely with Jadeja with the senior Indian national team during his stint as head coach, highlighted that Jadeja has evolved as a player and his self-confience has improved so much over the last few years.
“Jaddu, my friend, good luck. I am sure you are more than capable of handling the job as captain,” Shastri said.
“I think he has got added responsibility and that will do him wonders.
“Get out there and enjoy yourself like you normally do and be a good captain. Good luck with the toss, start winning many,” Shastri added.
“He has been an outstanding cricketer for India. No. 1 in the world rankings when it comes to being an all-rounder. I have seen him evolve over the last 5 years and, in particular, the last 3 years.
“The way he is focussed on his batting. The time he has spent at the nets, the self-belief he has brought into the game. Apart from being an outstanding fielder and doing the job with the ball, I think he is a livewire in the team.
“He is very energetic, he is very positive and I am most happy to see he is back from a knee injury.”
