'This was Jaddu's year' - Aakash Chopra showers praise on Ravindra Jadeja after impressive IPL 2023 campaign

Ravindra Jadeja scripted a memorable victory for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023 as he scored the much-needed boundary off the last ball to help his side get over the line in the thrilling final. The southpaw played a brilliant cameo of 15* off 6 balls as CSK lifted their fifth IPL title and got level with Mumbai Indians in terms of most trophies won.

Following his heroic performance, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra said that it was a breakthrough season for the left-arm spinner as his bowling skills had been missing from the last few years. Jadeja was the second-highest wicket-taker for CSK in the edition with 20 scalps to his name from 16 innings at an average of 21.55 and an economy of 7.56.

"Jaddu's magic. A breakthrough season as a bowler, not as a batter. You wouldn't have seen such effective bowling from Jaddu in the last four-five years in the IPL. You would have seen Jaddu doing very well otherwise, but in the IPL we used to talk about his middling performances but this was Jaddu's year,” said Chopra on his Youtube channel.

Further talking about his performance, Chopra credited captain MS Dhoni for backing him and even promoting him up the order in batting.

MS had an agenda that he will get the best out of him: Chopra

"I felt the captain had an agenda that he will get the best out of him, that he will make him the best player he can ever be. He went with that commitment - when and how much to bowl and batting him above himself,” he added.

With the bat, Jadeja scored 190 runs in 12 innings at an average of 23.75 and a strike rate of 142.85. The southpaw played useful cameos throughout the season and helped his side add crucial runs at the death. The 34-year-old was also awarded Player of the Match thrice throughout the season against Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals respectively.

Apart from his batting heroics, Jadeja also picked up 1/38 during the final and picked up the crucial scalp of Shubman Gill (39 off 20), courtesy of Dhoni's brilliant glove-work.