The Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja made a comeback in the Indian ODI squad after a gap of more than a year against Bangladesh during the Super fours stage of the ongoing Asia Cup. He made his comeback memorable by registering the figures of 4/29 in India’s comprehensive win over Bangladesh.
Along with Jaddu, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets apiece and made sure that Bangladesh was never able to put on a substantial partnership, getting all out for 173. India’s batsmen chased the target with 82 balls and seven wickets to spare, captain Rohit Sharma scoring an unbeaten 83.
WATCH – Ravindra Jadeja takes the revenge
Jadeja played his last ODI in July 2017 and expressing the feeling of playing an ODI after that long during the post-match press conference, he said, “I will always remember this comeback because I returned to the team after a gap of around 480 days. Even in Test cricket, because the last few series have been overseas, I haven’t been getting chances consistently. So I was determined that whenever I get the chance I will perform, that’s all that I can control. I was only focused on my own game and how I can improve further.”
As far as spinners go, Jaddu is known for his ability to bowl quickly and that was one of the things that helped him on the slow wicket of Dubai. Describing the same, he said, “On a slow wicket, you have to bowl with more of your own effort. On a normal wicket, the ball goes through quickly after bouncing so it doesn’t give the batsman as much time. But on a slow wicket, you have to bowl with more effort.”
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is less than a year away, and Jadeja’s performance puts him in the line of the selectors. But for all the elation, he was cautious not to look too far ahead. However, the southpaw has a different opinion on the same as he said that his only ambition is to perform well for the team whenever given a chance and other things will follow.