Need to protect my body, says Ravindra Jadeja as he hints he is still not fully fit
Published - 14 Feb 2024, 04:55 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:26 AM
While Ravindra Jadeja will be available for the third Test of the ongoing five-match series against England, he might not be at his best on the field.
The allrounder missed the second Test in Vishakhapatnam due to a hamstring injury he picked up in the series-opener in Hyderabad. Along with him, KL Rahul missed the second Test as well after suffering a quadricep strain in the first Test. And while Rahul failed to recover in time for the crucial third Test, Ravindra Jadeja has got the green light from the BCCI medical team to return to action.
On Wednesday (February 14), the India allrounder confirmed his availability for the third IND vs ENG 2024 Test but hinted that his role in the field could be slightly limited, making it pretty clear that he is still not fully fit. Hamstring injuries usually take good time to heal, so it won’t be very surprising if Ravindra Jadeja still has not recovered completely.
Ravindra Jadeja to be cautious on the field:
Speaking on the eve of the third Test, Ravindra Jadeja said that while he will be giving his all on the field, he will also take a cautious approach. The 35-year-old said that he cannot dive mindlessly as he needs to protect his body as well.
“Nothing has changed. We have the same excitement, and play with the same pride. The idea is to give my 100 percent but protect my body. Try not to dive unless absolutely necessary,” Ravindra Jadeja said.
The Saurashtra star has suffered numerous injuries in the last couple of years or so. Since 2021, he has missed a number of games due to injuries to his thumb, forearm, rib, knee, and hamstring. At 35, he is not getting any younger and has made it clear that he would be cautious on the field while fielding.
“It happens (the feeling of frustration creeping in) due to repeated injuries. But these days, there is so much cricket that’s happening. That also plays on the mind. As far as my fielding is concerned, I cannot hide and field. I am always in the hotspot irrespective of the format. So that could also be a reason that the ball comes to me too often.
“The team expects me to grab a good catch, and affect a run out. I can work a little more smartly on my body and if I can do that I don’t think there’ll be any problems as such. Then again, there’s no guarantee. I can go out tomorrow and get injured again. You never know,” added Jadeja.
The third Test is scheduled to begin on Thursday (February 15).
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