Rift in the Chennai camp? Star player unfollowed on Instagram by the franchise
Chennai (image Source: BCCI/IPL)
Chennai have had a terrible time in the 15th edition of the Indian T20 League 2022. They lost six of their first eight matches in the tournament and are in a position of no return at present. Although Chennai playing in the playoffs is still mathematically possible after they won two of their last three matches, the number of variables involved in it makes it nearly impossible.
Notably, MS Dhoni, who has been leading the franchise since the inception of the tournament in 2008 stepped down from the role ahead of ITL 2022. He handed over the responsibilities to the star all-rounder of the team, Ravindra Jadeja. It was under him that Chennai played the first eight matches of the tournament. Neither did Jadeja impress as the captain of the team nor did he excel as a player. Thus, unable to bear the responsibilities further he handed the captaincy back to MS Dhoni. To go by the reports not all is well between the star player and the franchise and the recent turn of events testify the same.
The official Instagram handle of the Chennai franchise has unfollowed their long-time asset in Jadeja. This action on part of the franchise has become a talking point involving the all-rounder’s future in the team.
Jadeja’s contributions to the team are unignorable. He has been a consistent performer for the team since 2011. But this incident is however not a one-off in the cash-rich league. In 2021, Hyderabad snatched away captaincy from David Warner mid-season and handed it over to Kane Williamson. The rift between Warner and his franchise went to the extent where the left-hander was benched for the most of the season.
What is next in the Jadeja-Chennai saga will be of key interest to the fans. Whether it takes turns like the Warner incident or Chennai sorts it out with their star player will be holding the attention of the fans.
Meanwhile, Chennai’s next assignment in the tournament will be against Mumbai on 12th May, Thursday. The two teams will meet for the second time this season at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. While Mumbai has already been eliminated from the tournament, Chennai will have to win the match my a big margin to keep their hopes for the playoff alive.
