Just before the recent Kochi ODI against Australia, a patient Indian skipper MS Dhoni finally sent a stern warning to Ravindra Jadeja asking him to perform with the bat in order to retain his place in the playing XI.
Just before the recent Kochi ODI against Australia, a patient Indian skipper MS Dhoni finally sent a stern warning to Ravindra Jadeja asking him to perform with the bat in order to retain his place in the playing XI.
|
| Saurashtra's Ravindra Jadeja plays square of the wicket on Day Two of the Ranji Trophy Super League match against Mumbai at the Bandra Kurla Complex ground yesterday. Pic/Sameer Markande |
The left-handed all-rounder Jadeja was already the talk of the town for keeping his place in the team in spite of a string of poor performances.u00a0
However, with just 10 ODIs remaining before the World Cup, the coming weeks in the Ranji Trophy will be crucial for the Saurashtra lad. Jadeja was batting on 16 at the end of Day Two at the Mumbai Cricket Association's ground in Bandra Kurla Complex yesterday. Saurashtra were 94 for two in reply to Mumbai's mammoth 580 for nine declared. Iqbal Abdulla remained unbeaten on 150 ufffd his maiden first-class century ufffd while Ajit Agarkar scored 80.u00a0
"All these Ranji matches are very crucial for me. I want to make an impression so that I can play a long innings. The two ODI series before the World Cup are going to be very important for my career. It could be the turning point as well," Jadeja told MiD DAY yesterday.
"Scoring big against Mumbai is important. It always counts and also builds your confidence. It's a flat track as well," added the 22-year-old.
Statistically though, the uproar against Jadeja is not completely justified. The Jamnagar lad has taken wickets in every series after the 2008-09 tour to West Indies. He maintains an economy rate of 4.84 on sub-continental tracks.
Even with the bat, he averages 31.47 from 34 ODIs. Brothers Irfan and Yusuf Pathan average 22.82 and 22.12 respectively. However, the biggest worry for Dhoni is Jadeja's failure to perform in crucial situations. His last 16 ODIs fetched only 199 runs.
Shot selection
"Sometimes my shot selection is wrong or the timing is not perfect. I am concentrating on the right shot selection and timing. I am also working on my backfoot strokes," he explained.
Jadeja also rued missing the IPL III because of a ban. "I don't think much about it now, but it was a big setback. I was hurt when I was banned for the season. I missed it the most when I watched it on TV.
"Playing in the third season would have done been good for my confidence. I have learnt from my mistake now," he said.u00a0u00a0
Jadeja wants his teammates to keep faith in him. "It is a matter of pride that big players are counting on me and have so much faith in me. I want to successfully perform my role and show responsibility.
"My goal is to get into the World Cup team. I want to utilise every opportunity that I get with the bat and ball," he signed off.
