Here's what MS Dhoni told Ravindra Jadeja ahead of Chennai Super Kings return

Jadeja was one of the three cricketers to have been retained by the Chennai franchise during the IPL player retention event last month

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has already set his sights on the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and is looking forward to reuniting with former India captain MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

The Saurashtra cricketer was one of the three cricketers to have been retained by the Chennai franchise during the IPL player retention event last month, along with Dhoni and Suresh Raina.

He said that Dhoni had told him that he would get more of batting opportunities during the IPL.

“Mahi bhai (Dhoni) told me that I will get batting opportunities in the IPL this year. He said that I have the ability of a proper batsman, and I am not the flash in the pan type of batsman. And I should think like that,” Jadeja was quoted saying to The New Indian Express.

“It was really encouraging for me. So, I am concentrating more on the batting aspect of my game and trying to get used to playing the anchor role ,” he continued.

Chennai Super Kings are returning to the IPL after a two-year absence, as they were suspended due to the spot-fixing scandal, along with Rajasthan Royals.

While Jadeja played for the Gujarat Lions for the last two seasons, Dhoni represented Rising Pune Supergiant.

However, he did include that he does not get distracted in other things if he bowls well.

“If I am satisfied with the way I have bowled, I do not think much about other things. If I am executing my plans, I am happy,” he added.

The 29-year-old scored a match-winning knock of 113 for Saurashtra against Jhsarkhand in a group match of the Vijay Hazare trophy on Sunday, despite suffering a side-strain.

“The pain was unbearable some times while playing certain shots. But this was really important for my self-confidence. It is morale boosting. To chase the target (330) under the circumstances is really special for me,” he said, describing the innings.

Jharkhand failed to defend their total of 329-9, as Jadeja’s century guided Saurashtra to a four-wicket win, getting to the target in 48.2 overs.

The upcoming season of the cash-rich IPL kicks off on April 7, and will run for over a month. The final of the eight-team tournament will be held on May 27.