Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was delighted after his match-winning performance against Sri Lanka at the IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Sunday. Jadeja scored his best Test score of 175* runs in the first innings as he played at the top of his game and also took nine wickets in the Test match.
Consequently, Jadeja was able to deliver the goods with both bat as well as the ball. It was a dominating performance from the talisman as he ticked the right boxes in every department. Jadeja took his time in the early phase of his innings however he was able to change gears after scoring his hundred.
Jadeja stated that such a big performance will definitely add more confidence to his bag. In fact, if Jadeja had picked one more wicket in the second innings, he would have become the first cricketer to score more than 150 runs in an innings and take 10 wickets in the Test match.
Jadeja returned with a five-wicket haul in the first innings as he scalped 5-41 whereas he took 4-46 in the second innings. Thus, Jadeja almost single-handedly destroyed Sri Lankan batting and also played a key role in helping India post a mammoth score of 574 runs.
Ravindra Jadeja was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine performance. Jadeja said in the post-match presentation, “I would say this is my lucky ground. Whenever I come here I get positive vibes. I was looking to build a partnership with Rishabh, give him the strike and enjoy his batting from the other end. To be honest I don’t know about any stat. Feeling very good, happy to score runs and pick wickets for the team. Obviously, as a player, you boost your confidence with such a performance. I have not done anything differently, just played to my strengths and I give myself time to settle down. I look to keep it very simple out in the middle. I haven’t played with the SG pink ball, so it is going to be different and I will practice for a couple of days, hopefully, it comes good.”
Jadeja has been a consistent performer for the Indian team in the last few years and he has definitely taken giant strides with the bat. The left-hander will look to continue his good show and keep delivering the goods for the team.
It was a complete performance from the Indian team as they came up with a collective effort. The second Test match will be played in Bengaluru from Saturday.
