The veteran Indian all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja has expressed that he is looking forward to playing the Ranji Trophy game for Saurashtra against Tamil Nadu in Chennai, adding that he is keen on regaining full fitness and confidence of having been in a match scenario before the Test series against Australia.
Ravindra Jadeja has been missing competitive cricket since a game against Hong Kong in the Asia Cup in August 2022. The all-rounder underwent surgery in September to treat a knee injury. Jadeja missed the T20 World Cup and the subsequent series but he was named in India’s 17-member squad for the Test series against Australia, pending fitness clearance.
Jadeja reached Chennai on Sunday and will be leading Saurashtra in their Elite Group B match against Tamil Nadu at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
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As per the quotes in India Today, Ravindra Jadeja said, “I am back on the field, I am very excited, I am looking forward to the game. My first priority is to get on the field, to be 100 percent fit. That’s my priority. Once I am 100 percent fit, then I will work more on my skills, whether it’s batting or bowling. I was at NCA for like 20 days. I was doing my batting and bowling.”
He further added, “But the match scenario is different. I wanted a game before the Australia series, that’s why I am here. Hopefully, I will be fully recovered. Not really (no discomfort). After 5 months of not playing competitive cricket, you don’t feel confident, initially. But as you progress, you will definitely get better and better.”
Jadeja’s witness has been tracked through a GPS tracker that monitors all the required fitness parameters, as he spends 30 mins each batting and bowling in the nets, according to the news agency PTI. An NCA trainer is also in Chennai tracking the progress of Jadeja, who had to undergo knee surgery after playing his last competitive game in the Asia Cup in August.
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Describing the same, Ravindra Jadeja said, “I am almost ready. I was doing my batting and bowling at the NCA. A match is a different ball game. I am going to try and give my 100 percent. Let us see how my leg is pulling. I will try and go slowly, slowly (will you bowl your full quota?).”
Ravindra Jadeja will be leading Saurashtra in the absence of regular skipper, Jaydev Unadkat, who has been rested alongside Cheteshwar Pujara for the Ranji Trophy game, scheduled to be commencing on Tuesday.
