Sunil Gavaskar comes down in Ravindra Jadeja's defence after all-round attack on the allrounder
Published - 25 Jun 2024, 11:25 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:14 AM
Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar doesn't want people to even think about criticizing All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Sunil Gavaskar's comments came after Ravindra Jadeja had a decent outing against Australia yesterday in the ICC T20 World Cup's Super 8 match. Both India and Australia played their final game of the second round at the Darren Sammy Stadium here in St. Lucia. It was an important game for both teams as a win and 2 points would have ensured their qualification for the semi-finals.
The Aussies were in dire need of multiple points but Rohit Sharma's men were just too strong on the day, especially in the batting front. The Indian team will be more than satisfied with the efforts they had put in against Australia. India had a tough time against the Baggy Greens in the last two ICC white ball and red ball events.
India qualify for the semis
India first lost the ICC World Test Championship final in Oval and then met with disappointment again on November 19th at the ODI WC final. Ravindra Jadeja, whose performances in this T20 WC, have been questioned was a part of both the losing teams in Oval and Ahmedabad. But now team India has got their revenge over the bitter rivals and they will face England in the semi-final.
Yesterday in St. Lucia, Ravindra Jadeja might not have performed at his level best but he did contribute for the win. With the bat, he scored 9 off 5 at a 180 strike rate including a six. With the ball in hand, Jadeja had an uneventful and highly expensive spell of just 6 balls wherein he conceded 17 runs.
Sunil Gavaskar comes in Ravindra Jadeja's defense
It was obvious that Ravindra Jadeja's performance yesterday would raise question marks about his ability as a T20 player. But 1983
World Cup winner Sunil Gavaskar has other thoughts. While speaking to Star Sports yesterday, Sunil Gavaskar appeared to be defending the underfire Ravindra Jadeja.
It is the same Sunil Gavaskar who had claimed many years ago that Jadeja is nothing but a burden for the Indian team. But a few years after his remarks, the All-rounder was able to become the starting choice of the Indian team before becoming a key player.
About Ravindra Jadeja's underwhelming form, Gavaskar stated that he is concerned about it all because of the former's experience in the game. Sunny G feels that Jadeja has made the most out of his opportunities.
But the main reason why Gavaskar defended Ravindra Jadeja was because of the latter's fielding ability. Sunil Gavaskar highlighted how Jadeja was able to save 20-30 runs through his fielding efforts and that whatever he contributes with the ball and bat - is an added advantage.
"I am not at all concerned as he is very experienced. For whatever opportunities he's got, he's done well. And don't forget, in the field itself, he saved 20 to 30 runs with his fielding ability, taking catches, and getting the runout. So don't forget those 20-30 plus runs. Then he enters the field, with anything that he does with the bat and ball is an added value to his ability." - Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.
Tagged:
Indian National Cricket Team Ravindra Jadeja Australia National Cricket Team Sunil Gavaskar Rohit Sharma Mitchell Marsh ICC T20 World Cup
