IPL-8: Ravindra Jadeja needs to weave some magic, feels CSK coach

An under-performer at World Cup and the start of IPL-8, India all-rounder will do well to hit the right notes against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede today

Ravindra Jadeja's struggle from the World Cup has carried into the Indian Premier League-8. The formats may have changed, but Jadeja's form remains poor. In the two matches that the Chennai Super Kings have won, Jadeja's contribution has been abysmal.


Stephen Fleming 

He scored 17 vs Delhi Daredevils in their opening clash and returned figures of 0-17 with his left-arm spin. In their last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Jadeja was out for a duck. The bigger blow was in that match was that he was not even given an opportunity to roll his arm over.

Although CSK coach Stephen Fleming dismissed it as a tactical decision, it is certainly clear that skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni does not have enough faith in one of his trusted lieutenants.

Jadeja made sincere efforts to improve his performance by hitting some lusty blows during the team's optional practice session at the Wankhede Stadium yesterday ahead of their today's IPL game against MI. Jadeja could score only 57 runs in five World Cup innings while he claimed nine wickets.

'Sympathy for Jadeja'
Fleming could only sympathise with Jadeja's poor run. "I have sympathy for Jadeja. How many balls has he faced? Not much. It's a hard role to play (batting lower down the order).


Chennai's Ravindra Jadeja loosens up at Wankhede Stadium yesterday. Pic/Suresh KK

He doesn't get much chances and when he does gets them, he has to come and hit a quick 20 or get the team to a (good) total," Fleming told reporters at the Wankhede Stadium yesterday.

Fleming said CSK have bigger plans for the struggling all-rounder. "We are working really hard on his batting. He is certainly a better batter than what we are seeing.

These two months are (being used) to get his skills up there to play (better) rather than just come in the nets and practice. We have bigger plans for him. With his bowling, he needs a little bit of confidence. There is no pressure on him as others are doing a fine job," he said.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!