Mumbai, Apr 25: Premier all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s brilliance may have ruined the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore’s plans in the IPL here on Sunday but with one eye on this year’s T20 World Cup, the India captain was not complaining.
In fact, Kohli seemed delighted to see his India teammate make an excellent return after a long injury layoff.
“His (Jadeja) ability has been there for everyone to see. I am very happy to see him perform with the bat, ball and on the field,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“After two months, he will be back playing for India and it is always a pleasure to see your premier all-rounder do well with the bat. When he plays well and is confident, it lets out many opportunities,” the Indian skipper added.
Dhoni exudes confidence in Jadeja
Meanwhile, the all-rounder’s significant improvement in batting has convinced his Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to give him “those extra deliveries” that can change the complexion of a game.
“Jaddu is somebody who can change the game on his own. In the last few years, we’ve seen significant change in batting and it’s worth it to give him that extra bit of time, extra deliveries,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation when asked about Jadeja being sent in at No. 5.
The other aspect is that left-handers are difficult to control when they get going as Jadeja showed with 37 runs from a Harshal Patel over.
Jadeja, who was the player of the match, said that he has never had a better day on a cricket field.
“Don’t think so (if he had a better day). I’ve been working hard on my fitness, skill, everything. Luckily it paid off. It’s been a tough job being all-rounder, you have to do all departments,” Jadeja said. (PTI)
