IPL 2022: Has MS Dhoni's captaincy bombshell derailed Chennai Super Kings?

IPL 2022: Chennai Super Kings have gotten off to their worst-ever start to an IPL season, losing their first 3 matches. The defending champions haven't looked convincing so far under new captain Ravindra Jadeja and it seems the Men in Yellow have too many holes to fill after the disastrous start.

MS Dhoni does most things right in the Indian Premier League. Having been the face of Chennai Super Kings over the years, the Ranchi hero has got the complete backing of the franchise owners -- an enviable and rare status in the cash-rich league. "Thailaivan Dhoni" will take care if the often-repeated words of assurance from the CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan to their fans.

However, the pressure is mounting on CSK in the new IPL 2022 season as the defending champions have gotten off to their worst-ever start to a season -- 3 matches and as many defeats! While a comeback from the team known for proving naysayers wrong is never out of question, CSK don't look like the side from the past that used to cause opposition teams headache.

Firstly, their influential figure, MS Dhoni, is not the captain anymore. While the World Cup-winning captain's decision to give up the captain's armband, keeping in mind the future of the franchise, was welcomed, the timing of the decision helped raise a few eyebrows. 2 days ahead of the new IPL 2022 season, the announcement was made official by the franchise which also confirmed that the 40-year-old will represent the franchise 'this season and beyond'.

It's no surprise that Dhoni made a unanimous decision. Even CEO Viswanathan said he was 'surprised' by the call from the influential captain while also stressing that the team respects his decision.

On the other hand, newly-appointed captain Ravindra Jadeja revealed that Dhoni had informed him about the decision a 'few months back', adding that he was mentally prepared to take over the reins of one of the most successful IPL franchises from one of the most successful leaders in world cricket.

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It was never going to be easy shoes to fill but Ravindra Jadeja seems to be feeling the pressure despite Dhoni being 'more than' around. Jadeja played down the burden of captaincy after CSK lost their 3rd straight game but the numbers aren't doing justice to the all-rounder's claim. Jadeja had returned from a considerably long injury lay-off and the added responsibility seems to be weighing him down before he could find his form back.