Wicket of Steve Smith was the turning point: Ravindra Jadeja

Xtra Time Web Desk: Ravindra Jadeja played a huge part in India winning their opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against Australia. The left arm spinner bowled a mesmerising spell that helped restrict Australia to a modest total.

Australia had made a strong start to their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign with David Warner and Steve Smith laying the foundation for a competitive total against India, until Ravindra Jadeja turned the match with three crucial wickets.

Jadeja ran through the Australia middle-order as the visitors slumped from 110/2 to 119/5 in the space of 16 balls to hand India control of the contest on a spin-friendly deck.

“I think that was the turning moment, you know, when you get a wicket like Steve Smith from there onwards it was not easy to just come in and rotate the strike for the new batter. So, I think that I would say that wicket was the turning point. From there onwards, they were 119 – 3 and 199 all out. I think, yeah, I would say that was the turning point. And yeah, it helped me, because I knew the conditions in Chennai. I’ve been playing here for like 10-11 years so

I know the how conditions in this ground. So, I think I enjoyed and whatever I contribute to the team I always feel happy”, Jadeja said in the post match press conference.

On being asked what was the mood in dressing room when three wickets fell for only 2 runs at the start. Jadeja said, “When you’re three wickets down in just a couple of overs, you obviously get panicked a little bit. But we know that Virat and Rahul, they’ve been doing it for the team for so many years. So, I think nobody was too hyper or panicked at that time. But yeah, luckily, they played brilliantly, they know the conditions well and they took the game forward till the last so I think that was amazing to see.”

Talking about his role in the team along with Ashwin and Kuldeep, Jadeja said, “The role is nothing. We are trying to take as many wickets as possible. In such wickets, all three of them must be thinking that I should get more. Isn’t it? This is what happens in the mind. And if they are thinking like this, then it’s not wrong. If everyone is thinking like this, then it’s good. The opposing team will get all out soon.”