IPL 2022 | RCB vs CSK | How can Jadeja get back in the groove?

The 49th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 is here, and it is the Southern Derby between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MCA Stadium in Pune. While RCB started the campaign on a high, they have lost momentum, losing three consecutive matches. On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings have had troubles of their own, losing 6 of their eight matches. Their poor run in the tournament forced them to hand over the captaincy back to MSD to keep their chances of qualification alive.

MS Dhoni has been synonymous with CSK ever since the inception of IPL in 2008. He has led them in all their campaigns till the 15th edition of the tournament. However, just ahead of IPL 2022, MSD stepped down from captaincy and handed over the responsibilities to Ravindra Jadeja. Under the leadership of the all-rounder, CSK had the most terrible time, and he seemed to have lost his mojo. Not being able to concentrate on his performance, Jadeja decided to step down from the role and pass the baton back to 'Captain Cool'.

With MSD's return at the team's helm, they have returned to winning ways; fans are still waiting for Jadeja to regain his groove.

Let us take a look at Jadeja's performance in the tournament.

IPL 2022: In IPL 2022, Jadeja has batted in nine innings scoring 113 runs at an RPI of 12.55 and a strike rate of 121.51. While with the ball in hand, he has five wickets in nine matches and averages 45.6.

CSK depends heavily on Jadeja's performances in all departments of the game. But, especially in his bowling, he has looked like a shadow of his former self.

Jadeja, the batter: We have witnessed Jadeja's transformation from a bowler who can bat to a proper all-rounder in Test cricket. The significant change in his batting was the change in his approach. In the initial stages, he was considered a part-time batter. But over time, he has turned himself into a valuable batting asset.

Jadeja has been batting lower down the order for the Men in Yellow. He tends to bat at number 5 or 6 for CSK. Sending him up the order will allow the Indian star all-rounder the much needed time to settle in and then fire all guns blazing.

Jadeja, the fielder: Sir Jadeja has been regarded as the best fielder in the Indian setup for a while now but he has been below his usual standards this season. He seems to be low on confidence and it might not be long before we see him back at his best.

Jadeja, the bowler: We all know Jadeja as an impeccable bowler who is very consistent with his line and length. He generally does not turn the ball much and tries to deceive the batters with variations in speed.

In this season of IPL, Jaddu has looked puzzled and confused about his line and length. Although he has been economical, conceding 7.86 runs per over, he has not backed it up with enough wickets.

Let's compare his average bowling stats for a match based on his career record and his performances this year.

Career:

Overs: 4 Runs: 30 Wickets: 1-2

This is what is expected of Jadeja as per his career bowling records.

IPL 2022

Overs: 4 Runs: 31 Wickets: 0.5

It may look absurd seeing 0.5 in the wicket's column, but it is to emphasize the fact for the readers that he is picking up a wicket every two matches in the tournament. While he is expected to pick up at least a wicket or two in his quota of four overs, he is not living up to the expectations.

One major problem has been the team's fielding, and Jadeja has been denied a few wickets with catches being dropped off his bowling. Another problem might have been him not being able to bowl with freedom because of the captaincy.

With the captaincy duties now off his head, he already looked a better bowler in the last match. He will look to continue in a similar fashion, and with MSD there to guide him from behind the stumps as the skipper, there are chances he will regain his bowling form.

For the Men in Yellow to make it to the top four by winning the remainder of their matches, Jaddu returning to form is very important. He needs to start contributing to the best of his abilities to keep his team's hopes alive.