Team India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja cheekily said while speaking about his role in the Indian team, that he thinks like a captain though he is not the one as well. The veteran player stated that, apart from being a partnership breaker with the ball, he is likely to contribute 30-35 runs down the order. Notably, Jadeja came up with a stunning all-round performance in India’s massive 243-run win over South Africa in the 2023 World Cup match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, November 5. He scored an unbeaten 29 off 15 with the bat and then dismantled the Proteas batting line-up with figures of 5/33.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Jadeja said: “From the first day, I think like a captain but it is another thing that I am not the one. As an all-rounder, scoring 30-35 runs and being a partnership breaker, that’s the role I have. I always try to give an impactful performance. And I never take fielding for granted. I can also miss a catch, so I am always prepared that if I get a catch, I don’t relax on the field. So, I just keep trying. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. But I keep trying.”

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However, before the five-fer against South Africa, the all-rounder had chipped in with wickets in most of the other games as well. He also contributed against New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Reflecting on his performances, Jadeja said that he is satisfied with his efforts.

“My rhythm has been good in the last few games and I am happy that I am able to contribute for the team in important games. I am delivering with both bat and ball. I will be more confident about my own game in the coming matches. Whatever track you play on, if fast bowlers are getting a couple of wickets upfront, it becomes easier for the spinner because the new batters can’t play shots straight up and spinner becomes more confident while varying speeds and using more subtle variations. Hope we can continue like this in knock-outs,” Ravindra Jadeja concluded.