In a recent conversation, Ravindra Jadeja shared that he had no idea he was going to be the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team until the Test squad for the series against the West Indies was announced. The 36-year-old Jadeja, who has been known to do it all with bat and ball, was appointed the deputy to Shubman Gill since the other vice-captain, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, was injured.
Jadeja’s Reaction to the Surprise Announcement
Talking to ex-teammate and commentator Dinesh Karthik, Jadeja was thrilled with the vice-captaincy position, even though he was left surprised with the announcement. The all-rounder explained that he came to know about the decision when the squad for the two-match Test series against West Indies was announced. Jadeja stated,
“They didn’t say anything to me. They just announced the team and I saw that besides my name the VC is written, so I was very happy. And as a player, you always gain confidence whenever you see some kind of gesture from the management, captain and coach. At the end of the day, you are always happy to do good and share your experience with the team,” Jadeja told bcci.tv in a video interaction.
Although he had received no prior intimation, Jadeja reiterated that such an act on the part of the team management, captain, and coach gave him a boost to his confidence. He further said, “As a player, you always feel more confident whenever you notice some sort of gesture from the management, captain, and coach.”
Ravindra Jadeja Reflects on the Responsibility
Jadeja indicated his willingness to take a step up whenever the team needs his experience, especially on strategic planning. “It’s very special for me as a player. They gave me respect because the management, captain, and coach have decided to give me some extra responsibility. I am very happy to do it and whenever the team needed my experience and needed me to say anything regarding planning, I am always happy to do it.”
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Ajit Agarkar’s Comment on Jadeja’s Appointment
Ajit Agarkar, the selection committee head, clarified Jadeja’s appointment as vice-captain. Agarkar said that Jadeja’s extensive experience and recent good performances made him the best person to play the role in Pant’s stead.
“Rishabh Pant is the vice-captain at the moment and a key player. But unfortunately, he hasn’t quite recovered to make this Test series. We are hopeful he will be available for South Africa. Jaddu has been one of top performers with a lot of experience. So that’s essentially the reason,” Agarkar said in a press conference in Dubai.
Ravindra Jadeja’s Brilliant Form in Recent Tours
Jadeja has been in tremendous form, especially in the England tour, where he was one of India’s star performers. He was India’s third-highest run-getter, having made 516 runs at an average of 86, with a century and half-centuries total of five. Joe Root alone scored more than him for England in the series.
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Still, while his bat never missed the mark, Jadeja’s performance with the ball was not as significant, picking up only seven wickets at 72.43. Still, since Ravichandran Ashwin retired, Jadeja will be the ball’s star man in the forthcoming home series.
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