CSK batting coach Hussey rues losing Jadhav

Jadhav, who suffered a hamstring pull during the season opener against Mumbai Indians in Mumbai on Saturday, has suffered a grade two tear, Hussey said at the pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s game against Kolkata Knight Riders here. 

“Unfortunately for us, Kedar has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament. His hamstring scan didn’t come back so good. I believe it is a grade two tear. So, he is going to be out for some period of time. We haven’t picked a replacement yet, we will go through that process,” Hussey said.

“It is a big loss for us. He is a very good player, a key player for us in that middle-order. So, it is big shoes to fill for a little man I guess,” he added. 

Jadhav sustained the injury during the tournament opener against MI which CSK won by one wicket. He returned from the dugout for a final over flourish to seal the game in favour of CSK after Dwayne Bravo set up the win. 

“Losing Kedar is a big loss. He is a class player. He was coming back from an injury and unfortunately injured again. It is a big hole to fill. Numbers.1, 2, 3 and 4 need to take the responsibility and score the bulk of the runs. We lost key wickets at the end of the power play. But we have the players to do be able to do it. We have to play smart cricket,” he added.

To a question as to why Ambati Rayudu was chosen to open in the MI game ahead of Murali Vijay, a regular opener, Hussey said, “Vijay had suffered a knock during the early part of the training and he was recovering and would be available for selection.” 

“From what I understand, M Vijay got a bit of a knock in his ribs. He has been quite sore actually and is slowly working his way back to full fitness. There are always 50-50 calls that can go either way. And some times it is the gut feel of the captain and coach. Rayudu is playing really well. But, Vijay is batting nicely as well. So, it is a nice headache I guess for the coach and captain to have. Vijay… Yeah he is fine, he is ready to go. He is certainly available to be picked,“ Hussey said.