I don't think Ravindra Jadeja was upset with Mahi bhai at all, he was sad because CSK wasn't doing great that time: Ambati Rayudu

After Ravindra Jadeja was stripped from his captaincy in the middle of IPL 2022, there were a lot of reports regarding a possible rift between the all-rounder and MS Dhoni. The star cricketer decided to leave the team mid-season citing an injury and also deleted a lot of posts regarding Chennai Super Kings on his social media platforms. 

There were also reports of him leaving Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2023 but the cricketer eventually continued and hit the winning runs to help the franchise win a record-equalling fifth title in history. Meanwhile, speaking about the entire saga, former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu stated that Jadeja never had any issues with MS Dhoni despite reports. He added saying that the cricketer is what he is today because of the stumper-batter and hence, the reports should be put to bed.

“I don't think Jaddu (Jadeja) was upset with Mahi bhai at all. It was just that he was sad because the team wasn't doing great. Everyone's performances that year were not coming up to the mark,” Rayudu said on BehindWoodsTV Youtube channel.

“He (Dhoni) has put this team and has made Jaddu (Jadeja) what he is today. He has nurtured him for what, 10-12 years. So he would naturally be happy that the product that he made has won the final for CSK after whatever happened last year,” he added. 

Ruturaj has a great chance to be CSK’s future captain: Rayudu

Meanwhile, Rayudu believes that Ruturaj Gaikwad to be CSK’s future skipper. He stated that the cricketer needs to be groomed properly by MS Dhoni in order to become the face of the franchise. Notably, Gaikwad has previous experience of leading a team in the domestic arena thus, Rayudu is confident of him being Dhoni’s successor.

“Coming to the future, I think Ruturaj (Gaikwad) has a great chance. He has those leadership qualities in him. So, if Mahi (MS Dhoni) bhai grooms him say a year or so, then he can lead the team for 7-8 or even 10 years. He is in good hands with Mahi bhai and (Stephen) Fleming. He is calm, down-to-earth, and extremely talented,” Raudu stated.