India’s veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja revealed he was not told by the team management regarding his vice-captaincy role for the ongoing two-match Test series against the West Indies. Jadeja said he came to know about his appointment after the squad was announced by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel.

The all-rounder was given the vice-captaincy role after Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the series as he is still recovering from a foot injury, which he suffered in England. Jadeja said he would be happy to contribute as a leader if his inputs are needed by the team’s think tank and the captain.

“They didn’t say anything to me. I just saw VC written next to my name when the team was announced. End of the day, whatever experience you have to share, you do it for the team,” Jadeja said while speaking in a BCCI video.

The veteran had performed consistently on the England tour, scoring 516 runs in five Test matches at an impressive average of 86.

“As a player, I gain my confidence. Whenever you perform in England, you get confidence. Hopefully, I can continue and take forward that confidence into this series, score some runs and some wickets,” Jadeja said.

Meanwhile, Jadeja conceded 15 runs in three overs he bowled against the West Indies on the opening day of the first Test match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Thursday. 

The Windies were skittled out for 162 runs after Roston Chase decided to bat first. Mohammed Siraj was the pick of the bowlers as he returned with impressive figures of 4-40, whereas Bumrah bagged 3-42. Bumrah also became the joint fastest Indian pacer to take 50 wickets in home conditions, equaling Javagal Srinath’s record.

India ended the day’s play at 121-2, trailing by 41 runs.