Super King vs The Sir: Which way does the Jadeja twirl

Chennai Super Kings and Ravindra Jadeja seem to be at a crossroads. While murmurs abound, the most tell-tale sign of a fracture between the two is their Instagram goings-on.

Also read: CSK and Ravindra Jadeja not on same page? Questions after Instagram split

Having parted ways on social media the pair seem to be playing out an end-game, only made worse by CSK’s abysmal season. Of more pressing concern is the future of India’s premier all-rounder. Ruled out of the IPL with a bruised rib, Jadeja would be keen to avoid once-teammate Suresh Raina’s fate. Released before the season by CSK, Raina went unsold in the 2022 auctions.

One would expect CSK to be wary of allowing yet another long-timer to leave on such a sour note but the ways of the world are strange, and if nothing else, it would be another saga that- if it unravels- might get saucy over time. In fact, wouldn’t the IPL be richer for a revenge plot that involves Jadeja scuppering CSK’s hopes, one twirl of the moustache at a time?

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Keeping fantasies aside, however, Jadeja’s international future remains secure. A critical part of India’s test team, especially in home fixtures, the Navgam boy has many yarns to spin still. As for the IPL, his skill and experience will be much valued especially in teams around the basement.

It can be said with a degree of certainty that captaincy is not for the easy-going Jadeja. Ensuring him the freedom to explore his skills, without having to manage 10 others around him is likely to allow him to flourish.

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And in the small chance that this indeed spells the beginning of the end, Jadeja has quite the illustrious career to look back on; and a comfortable mansion to retire to. Whether it makes up for the joys cricket offers is not for me to question or bother myself with.