"If we save the game it will be as good as a win" - Ravindra Jadeja reveals India's strategy in Guwahati Test

Team India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja opened up about the team’s chances of saving the second and final Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Jadeja stated that India have a chance to save the match, saying that a hard-fought draw on the final day would feel almost like a victory.

South Africa posted a second-innings total before declaring at 260 for 5, extending their overall lead to 548. Tristan Stubbs was the top scorer for the Proteas with 94 runs, while Tony de Zorzi (49), Wiaan Mulder (35*), Ryan Rickelton (35), and Aiden Markram (29) made useful contributions on Day 4 (Tuesday, November 25).

Jadeja was the only Indian bowler to make a significant impact, claiming four wickets. Chasing the massive target, the hosts were left facing an almost impossible task ahead of the final day.

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It Will Be As Good As a Win - Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja remained hopeful about India’s chances after the fourth day of the Guwahati Test. Jadeja stated that the team must approach the final day with belief in their defensive skills.

The left-handed batter said that they are aware that the pitch has begun to offer turn and is likely to deteriorate further. He said that resisting South Africa’s attack long enough to secure a draw would feel almost as valuable as a win, given the match situation.

"We have to bat tomorrow and if we save the game it will be as good as a win. The ball has already started turning and it will turn more tomorrow. We have to trust our defence," Ravindra Jadeja said.

There's No Panic and You Don't Care - Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja said that the psychological pressure of the situation often matters more than the amount of spin on offer. He explained that a team trailing in the game tends to overthink every challenge.

"When a team is ahead by 300 runs there's no panic and you don't care how much ball is spinning. When the other team is behind, there will be all sorts of things that will work on your mind," Jadeja stated.

India suffered another shaky start. Yashasvi Jaiswal perished for 13 and KL Rahul was dismissed for 6, leaving the hosts struggling at 27/2. Sai Sudharsan and nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav remained unbeaten at the crease. Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer each struck once.

Ravindra Jadeja Completes 50 Test Wickets against SA

Ravindra Jadeja completed 50 Test wickets against South Africa. He has taken three five-wicket hauls, with his best figures being 6/138. He joined legends like Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Harbhajan Singh, and Ravichandran Ashwin, all of whom have taken 50 or more wickets against the Proteas.

Jadeja’s average is lower than any of the other Indian bowlers on that list. As per Cricbuzz, he is only the second left-arm spinner in history to take 50-plus Test wickets against South Africa, alongside England’s Colin Blythe, who managed 59 wickets more than a century ago.

Jadeja has taken 348 Test wickets from 89 matches at an average of 25.11, including 17 four-wicket hauls and 15 five-fors. The left-handed batter has scored 4,041 runs at an average of 38.12 with the help of six centuries and 27 half-centuries.

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