IPL 2023: Is there any pressure on CSK players to win? Ravindra Jadeja reveals

Equal respect for all and empathy for players during their lowest phase has been the hallmark of former four-time champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management, resulting in four Indian Premier League (IPL) trophies, feels senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja, the captain for the first phase last year, didn't get desired results and was replaced by the peerless Mahendra Singh Dhoni, whose every word is believed to be the holy grail in the CSK corridors.

It was learnt that Jadeja was a bit upset after giving up the captaincy, and there were rumours that he wanted to leave the franchise, but all the differences were ironed out much before the current season began. "CSK management and the owners [N Srinivasan] never pressured players. Even after 11 years with CSK, they have the same attitude and approach. They'll never make you feel low even when you aren't performing well," Jadeja told Star Sports.

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The southpaw said there is no hierarchy in the team setup, and he has never felt any bias for any particular player. "There is no senior and junior kind of thing there. Even any youngster from U-19 will get the same respect and treatment as other senior players. No pressure at all. No biases among players, whether they are playing or not," added Jadeja.

For Jadeja, the connection with fans, the 'Whistle Podu' brigade, is deeply emotional at one level. He spoke on how the CSK franchise has been instrumental in building a deeper connection with the fans, especially when they had to play their home games in Pune in the 2018 edition of the tournament.

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"In Pune, CSK Franchise made complete arrangements for 2k-3k fans to stay in Pune and watch all those seven matches scheduled to be played in Pune. For their stay and food arrangements, the CSK franchise did everything. Also, they were given CSK jerseys," Jadeja divulged. CSK are back at home ground, and Jadeja says he can feel the buzz even during training sessions.

"This time at the home ground, there will be a lot of excitement because sometimes when we practice, it feels like we are here to play a match because 15-20k fans come to watch us practice. Complete one stand gets filled and cheer for us till the time we practice. It will be a lot more exciting this time because we haven't played at our home ground for a few years, and Mahi Bhai is back this season, so it'll be a big occasion for fans to see him in Chennai," concluded Jadeja.

(With inputs from PTI)