Asia Cup 2022: It Is An Out Of Syllabus Question For Me - Ravindra Jadeja On Exclusion Of Rishabh Pant From Playing XI Against Pakistan

Updated - 31 Aug 2022, 12:16 AM

Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant
Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant. (Photo: Twitter)

In response to Rishabh Pant’s exclusion from India’s starting lineup for their Asia Cup match against rival Pakistan on Sunday, veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja delivered an epic response. For the important match, India selected experienced Karthik over Pant as the wicketkeeper, which infuriated many supporters on social media. Karthik just faced one ball and scored a run off it, but he still managed to take three key catches behind the stumps. This gave him little opportunity to demonstrate his talent.

After a successful IPL 2022 season with Royal Challengers Bangalore, the seasoned gloveman made his way back to the Indian team after almost three years. 330 runs were scored by the 37-year-old at a strike rate of 183.33.

In order to keep his spot in the Asia Cup squad, he also played well in the few occasions he had to play in Indian colours after his comeback.

Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik
Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik. (Photo: Twitter)

I Have No Idea Why Rishabh Pant Was Excluded: Ravindra Jadeja

To a journalist’s question regarding Pant being left out of India’s starting lineup against Pakistan, Jadeja had a humorous response. Pant has established a strong reputation in red-ball cricket, and most recently, his innings helped India defeat England in the third one-day international to win the series. With 883 runs in 54 appearances and a strike rate of 126.32, Pant’s T20I statistics are a little lacklustre.

“I have no idea about it. Yeh mere book ke bahar wala question hai (This is an out of syllabus question for me),” Jadeja said in the press conference on the eve of the Hong Kong clash.

Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja. Pic Credits: Twitter

“Pressure is always there. As long as you play for India, that pressure will never go away. But yes, an all-rounder has to take responsibility in both batting and bowling. It gives you confidence when you perform under pressure,” he added.

Also Read: IND vs PAK: ‘Had Virender Sehwag Said This To My Face…’: Shoaib Akhtar Fumes At Journalist Over ‘Baap Baap Hota Hai’ Query

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Ravindra Jadeja Rishabh Pant