Ravindra Jadeja dedicates ‘special win’ to wife, wants to carry momentum ahead

Chennai Super Kings registered their first season in the 15th season of the Indian Premier League on Tuesday by defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 23 runs. Ravindra Jadeja, who was named the captain of CSK just before the start of the season, said that he is dedicating his “first victory as a captain ever” to his wife. 

“First of all, this is the first victory as a captain ever. I would like to dedicate to my wife because first victory is always special,” Jadeja said in the post-match presentation.

“Previous four games, we couldn’t cross the line. But as a team, we came good. As a captain, I am still picking brains of the senior players. Mahi bhai is there, I always go to him and discuss. Moulding into a new role, it’ll take time to get things going. I am still learning and trying to get better with each game.”

Jadeja added that the team didn’t panic despite losing four successive matches.

“Our management don’t put pressure on me, they are relaxed, they always come to me and motivate. We have plenty of experience in our dressing room.”

Invited to bat, CSK posted a massive 216 for 4 with Shivam Dube (95 not out off 46 balls) and Robin Uthappa (88 off 50 balls) sharing 165 runs for the third wicket, the highest this season.

Chasing the huge target, RCB were restricted to 193 for 9.Shahbaz Ahmed top-scored for RCB with 41, while Dinesh Karthik and Suyash Prabhudessai chipped in with 34 each.

RCB skipper Faf du Plessis said the team missed the services of seamer Harshal Patel, who is known for his variation and death bowling skills.

“You see the value he (Harshal) offers not just to this team but any team. He has got the ability to really stop the game. We missed that tonight. Even towards the end we lacked the variety,” he said.

“Big miss for us, hopefully we will have him back soon again.”

Harshal Pate left the bio-bubble following the death of a family member on Saturday. The RCB players wore black armbands in the match to show solidarity with Patel and his family.