When the whole Indian team was earnestly preparing for its ICC Champions Trophy opener against arch-rivals Pakistan, there was one player who was surely going through a wave of emotions and the player was none other than Ravindra Jadeja.
The ace all-rounder’s wife, who is currently in India, is pregnant with the couple’s first child but Jadeja, showing the commitment of the highest order, preferred his country over his family and not only travelled with the team to England but also gave a magnificent performance against Pakistan.
The left-arm spinner took two for 43 in his eight overs and also effected a brilliant run-out, as the Men in Blue steamrolled those in Green to kick start their title-defending campaign in style. And as soon as the match ended, the 28-year old from Baroda, called his wife to assess her condition. Jadeja’s wife also wished her husband good luck for the upcoming matches.
“I pray to God that he performs like this in the upcoming matches also,” she said.
Talking about the match, the defending champions thrashed Pakistan by 124 runs (DLS method) to open their account in the tournament.
After being put into bat first, the Men in Blue rode on half-centuries from Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh to post a massive 319 for three in the rain-curtailed innings that was reduced to 48 overs.
In reply, Pakistan, who were set a target of 289 in 41 overs, never looked in contention to chase down the total and eventually finished their innings on 164 for nine, with Wahab Riaz unable to bat due to an injury he suffered while bowling.
India’s next game is against Sri Lanka at The Oval on Thursday (June 8).