Virat Kohli Will Show More Confidence In Ravindra Jadeja's Batting Ability Moving Forward: VVS Laxman

Former Indian middle-order batsman VVS Laxman has heaped praises on Ravindra Jadeja following his fifty on day three of the first Test against England in Nottingham. Ravindra Jadeja scored a crucial fifty and stitched a vital 60-run stand with KL Rahul from a jittery spot to put India ahead. VVS Laxman feels Virat Kohli would now have more confidence in Jadeja’s ability with the bat.

Ravindra Jadeja came to the crease, with India at crossroads at 145-5. By lunch, the southpaw remained unbeaten at 26, adding 43 to put India nine runs ahead of England. While KL Rahul’s departure ended their 60-run partnership, Jadeja marched along before perishing for 56 to Ollie Robinson. India eventually got bowled out for 278, gaining a significant 95-run lead.

VVS Laxman pointed out that Ravindra Jadeja has been consistent for the past two years, mainly since his knock in the 2019 World Cup against New Zealand in Manchester. The 47-year old believes Jadeja brings plenty of value to the team, with his bowling and excellent fielding skills. Hence, he places plenty of belief on the spin-bowling all-rounder.

“I’m liking this. He has been consistent for the last two years. He has played some important knocks, probably since the 2019 World Cup in the match against New Zealand at Old Trafford. I just feel he has been very consistent. Add to that his bowling and the value he brings to the team with his fielding. I think he is a complete package and any day I would show a lot of trust and belief in these attributes to be an all-rounder,” Laxman told ESPN Cricinfo.

He has played some knocks under pressure and when it meant a lot: VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman understands that India might be missing a medium-pace bowling option; however, he believes that Jadeja remains a complete package. The 134-Test veteran remarked that the southpaw delivers runs when under pressure and remembered his fifty in Melbourne against Australia under bowling-friendly conditions. Laxman highlighted that the southpaw keeps adding credibility to his selection and gives Kohli confidence in his batting.

“Yes, you missed someone like Hardik Pandya to give you that medium-pace option. But I feel at number seven, he is a complete package. He will give you runs not only when the situation is easy, but in tough situations. I still remember the 50 runs and the partnership with Ajinkya Rahane in Melbourne when the conditions were suiting the Australian bowlers. So, he has played some knocks under pressure and when it meant a lot. In every match, he adds credibility and I think Virat Kohli will show more confidence in his batting ability moving forward,” he added.

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