Ravindra Jadeja's all-round brilliance gave Chennai Super Kings (CSK) another clinical victory in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) as they thrashed Delhi Capitals (DC) by 27 runs at the Chepauk Stadium on Wednesday, May 10. The left-hander took a wicket at an economy of 4.8 and also scored crucial 21 runs in 16 balls to clinch the Player of the Match award on CSK's seventh win of the tournament.
However, apart from his on-field performance, Jadeja's witty response during the post-match presentation has gotten a lot of attention. The 34-year-old is batting higher in the order and ahead of CSK skipper MS Dhoni, who comes out to bat as a finisher in the final stages of matches. It is customary for CSK fans to scream when Jadeja gets out and welcome their favourite 'Thala' to the crease.
When asked about it, the Saurashtra cricketer replied honestly and with a smile that when he comes out to bat at number 7, he hears chants of Dhoni, and if he bats higher, fans may start praying he gets out early. "I keep hearing Mahi bhai’s chants. If I bat higher, then the crowd will wait for me to get out. As long as the team wins, I am happy," Jadeja said.
A collective effort from CSK batters gave them more than enough to defend
Talking about the CSK vs DC match, the four-time champions opted to bat first on a sluggish surface and put up a decent total of 167 runs, thanks to brilliant cameos from Dhoni and Jadeja in the final overs. No CSK batter could touch the 30-run mark, but a collective contribution from Ruturaj Gaikwad (24), Ajinkya Rahane (21), Shivam Dube (25) and Ambati Rayadu (23) kept the hosts in the contest.
The scoreboard read 126-6 in 16.2 overs, and the target CSK could have been aiming for was 150. However, Ravindra Jadeja’s 16-ball 21 and Dhoni’s quick-fire 9-ball 20 took them past 165. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors, taking 3/18 in his three overs.
In reply, Deepak Chahar dealt the first blow to DC by dismissing captain David Warner in the second ball of the first over. They lost a couple more wickets in the powerplay before Manish Pandey and Rilee Rossouw put on a run-a-ball 59-run fourth-wicket stand to lessen the blow. The onslaught began with pacers, but the CSK spinners kept the pace going and restricted the opponent to 140-8.
Here's how fans reacted to Jadeja's remark after the CSK vs DC match:
Sir Jadeja we love you Nevertheless!!
— SI_41 :) (@ShreyasIyer_) May 10, 2023
I'm 💯 sure you Understand the Feelings & Emotions of Everyone!!#RavindraJadeja #MSDhoni𓃵 #chahar
His frustration is speaking the truth.
— Komal Mangla (@ManglaKomal) May 10, 2023
Jadeja needs crowd support to perform with bat .
— Abhishek Rout (@abhishekrout741) May 10, 2023
They love you but as a friend 😅😅
— Saikat Mandal (@imsaikat19) May 10, 2023
He's watching everything 😅
— Abhiram (@itzabhiram) May 10, 2023
Bro is in pain while saying these lines 🤣
— ICT Hater / 🇦🇺💪🏻 (@yorkerking01) May 10, 2023
Shi toh bola bhai ne 😂
— Ramiz (@SheikhRamiz19) May 10, 2023
We've no other way goateja😿
— Dhoni zone (@oddone7777777) May 10, 2023
Feels sad man. Chennai fans dont deserve good players.
— Flyanonymous (@Flyanonymous2) May 10, 2023
sabko pata hota hai jaddu out hoga tabhi hi maahi bhai aayenge
— Abhinav singh (@Abhinav_tmk) May 11, 2023
We feel you man. But you also understand na Fans feeling well.
— Mihika Singh (@Stars_ki_Duniya) May 10, 2023