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'If I bat higher to Dhoni, Then Crowd Will Wait For Me To Get Out' - Ravindra Jadeja

image-lhitc4f7Ravindra Jadeja talks about MS Dhoni [AP Photos]

Chennai Super Kings' all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who received the 'Player of the Match' award for his excellent all-round show against the Delhi Capitals made a playful confession in the post-match press conference that whenever he bats above MS Dhoni, the crowd wants him to get out early.

The middle order of the Chennai Super Kings must be feeling the weight of the crowd's expectations and the immense pressure that comes with it, with every wicket that falls and the entire stadium chanting MS Dhoni’s name in the hopes of seeing him taking the field.

Here’s what Jadeja said:

“I keep hearing Mahi bhai's [MS Dhoni] 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 put up a stellar all-round show, scoring 21 off 16 and taking 1/19 to help his team defeat Delhi Capitals by 27 runs. Batting at No.7, he was well aided by skipper MS Dhoni, who came in at No.8 and played a quick-fire innings of 20 off just 9 balls, hitting two sixes and a four in the process.

“As a spinner, I feel good when the ball is turning and holding. We practise here, we know what is the ideal length and pace. The visiting team needs time to adapt. We are taking advantage of the home conditions. Everyone is doing their job. We are doing a good job collectively.” 

Dhoni may not have spent much time at the crease in the ongoing season of IPL as he's coming lower down the order, but his batting strike rate of above 200 highlights his ability to finish games. He has made his presence felt every time he has walked out to bat for Men in Yellow. 

Here's what the former India captain said when being asked about his batting position this season:

"This is what my job is, I have told them this is what I am supposed to do, don't make me run a lot and it has been working. This is what I need to do, happy to contribute."

As far as CSK’s IPL 2023 campaign is concerned, with their latest win over Delhi Capitals, they have now inched closer to securing a playoffs spot. They have won seven out of the 12 matches  played in the tournament so far, and they currently occupy the second spot on the points table.