Ravindra Jadeja, the left-arm spin all-rounder, recently recalled an important piece of advice he got from then India captain MS Dhoni during the ICC World Cup 2015 which was played in New Zealand and Australia. Jadeja played 8 matches in the tournament where India reached the semi-finals.
India went unbeaten in the league stage, right to the quarter-finals where they beat Bangladesh and reached the semi-finals. They faced Australia in the knockout game but lost to the eventual champions, who lifted the prestigious World Cup trophy for a record fifth time.
MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja (Image Credit: IANS)
Jadeja had made his India debut in 2009 after performing well for the India U19 team, which won the 2008 U19 World Cup under the captaincy of Virat Kohli. Unfortunately, he failed to cement his place in the team for the next few years, as he struggled to come fore with the bat.
I Remember MS Dhoni Said That I Was Trying To Hit Shots Against Balls I Shouldn’t Be Attempting: Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja was in and out of the team until the 2014-15 season when he cemented his place in all three formats. However, during the 2015 World Cup, Jadeja was not having a very good time with either the bat or the ball. In 8 matches in the World Cup, Jadeja managed just 9 wickets and didn’t contribute much with the bat down the order.
Ravindra Jadeja in Team India’s WTC Final sweater (Image Credit: Twitter)
He recently revealed a crucial piece of advice that he received from captain MS Dhoni who came to his rescue during the mega ICC event in Australia and New Zealand.
“I remember he said that I was trying to hit shots against balls I shouldn’t be attempting. Shot selection was something I also felt I was doing wrong. My judgement at the start wasn’t right. I would be in double mind. ‘Should I go for the shot, or no?’ These days, I like to take my time and I am clearer in my mind. I know I can always cover up the runs later. That change in thinking has helped,” Jadeja told Indian Express.
“About bouncers, yes when you hit a six against short ones, the confidence increases. I never had a problem against bouncers – as in I don’t remember getting out too many times to it or thinking I can’t play it. It was about the selection of shots and my balance,” he signed off.
Ravindra Jadeja is expected to be seen in the Indian team which plays the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) against New Zealand in Southampton, England from June 18 onwards.
