XtraTime Web Desk: Indian cricket team’s ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja hit his maiden test century on Friday against the Windies feels that his calmness in the nervous 90s helped him to score the ton at Rajkot. Fittingly, he achieved the feat at his home ground and dedicated the innings to his late mother.
“It is very special because in the past I had gotten to 80s and 90s but was not able to convert. Today, I was not worried, just did not want to play any loose shot. I kept talking to Umesh and Shami and told myself that I needed to play till I score 100,” said Jadeja after reaching three figures in the final over before tea when India declared at 649 for nine.
Talking about the last one month when he did well in the only Test he played in England before making an ODI comeback, Jadeja sounded satisfied.
“When you are not playing consistently, there is pressure. You want to make every opportunity count. That is what I thought in England also. Batting and bowling in Asia Cup was also good,” he said.
“I just try to develop my game with every match. I have not played a lot in 2018. So, you just have to perform whenever you get the opportunity.”
Asked why he needs to prove himself even after almost 10 years of international cricket, Jadeja came up with a witty response.
“Good you know that I have been playing for 10 years. I must have done something right if I have managed to play for that long. I don’t know if you noticed that I did well in the 13 Tests we played at home the previous season,” he said.
“My job is just to prove myself. Sometimes I miss out because of the team requirements. If there are more left-handers in the opposition eleven, then an off-spinner is preferred, if more right-handers are there than I am preferred,” said the left-arm spinner.
He also had words of encouragement for the struggling the West Indies, saying “the young team will improve with every game”.
Spectator turnout for the first Test has been modest and when asked about it, Jadeja felt it could be due to the unrelenting heat in Rajkot.