Ravindra Jadeja insisted he is not feeling any pressure despite Chennai Super Kings starting the IPL 2022 campaign with three straight defeats.
Jadeja was named captain of Chennai just days before the tournament kicked off, taking over from the talismanic Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The seemingly abrupt nature of the development spilled on to the field as well, with the defending champions looking short of ideas in batting and bowling.
On Sunday, Punjab Kings defeated Chennai by a huge margin of 54 runs, with Liam Livingstone firing a quick 60 off 32 balls before picking up two crucial wickets.
Chennai had earlier lost to Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants. But Jadeja did not want to link the defeats to the last-minute leadership change, saying that he knew about the decision for a few months.
"I have been preparing [for the role] since he [Dhoni] told me a few months ago," Jadeja said.
"So mentally I was ready to lead. I don't have any pressure on me. I'm just backing my instinct and whatever thought comes in my mind, I always go with that."
Against IPL debutants Lucknow, Chennai posted 210-7 but could not defend that total. What stood out during that match was Dhoni instructing bowlers and setting field, with Jadeja stationed in the outfield.
"It was a high-scoring game and it was crucial to deploy a better fielder at deep mid-wicket. From there, I could not communicate with the bowlers," Jadeja said, adding that he had no problem with Dhoni handing out instructions.
"He was giving his inputs. He's such a vastly experienced captain and I think we are lucky to have such a great leader in our dressing room."
Chennai meet Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next match on Saturday and Jadeja said they need to end the winless streak as quickly as possible.
"One win can get you the momentum and we are searching for that win. We need to find our rhythm.
"It's a pretty experienced side, so everyone knows their game. It just needs to click," added Jadeja.
