Ravindra Jadeja Was Mentally Prepared To Bat 10-15 Overs Despite Thumb Fracture

Jan 24, 2021 at 11:37 AM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Ravindra Jadeja Was Mentally Prepared To Bat 10-15 Overs Despite Thumb Fracture

Ravindra Jadeja on Saturday said he was mentally prepared to bat for 10-15 overs despite a fractured thumb, having taken a painkiller injection during the drawn third Test against Australia at Sydney.

Ravindra  Jadeja had sustained a thumb injury while batting in the first innings of the Sydney Test and was eventually ruled out for six weeks. He will miss the four-Test England series beginning on February 5.

Ravindra Jadeja being treated from Physio.
Ravindra Jadeja being treated from Physio. Image Credit: Getty Images.

Ravindra Jadeja Was Padded Up After Taking Injection Thinking Of Batting 10-15 Overs In Sydney Test

Hanuma Vihari, braving a hamstring tear, played a key role in helping India draw the 3rd Test in Sydney. He didn’t play the 4th Test as with a second-string line-up, India went on to breach Australia’s fortress at the Gabba and seal a historic win and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“I was all ready, padded up. Had taken the injection as well. I was just thinking that I would bat for 10-15 overs at least and mentally planning how the innings would pan out, which shots to play because it wasn’t possible for me to play all kinds of shots with the pain from the fracture,” he told Sports Today.

Hanuma Vihari
Hanuma Vihari. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

“I was also calculating how to tackle the deliveries from fast bowlers, where would they pitch the ball to me. I was planning my role for when I go out to bat for those 10-15 overs.”

Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari were defensive in batting strategy to pull off a memorable draw for the hosts playing out about 43 overs together stitching an unbeaten 62 run partnership for 6th wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja Had Talk With Management That He Would Bat If India Could Win Sydney Test

Ravindra Jadeja was not required to bat as all-rounders Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari produced a lion-hearted effort, facing 256 balls on Day 5 to script a memorable draw.

“I did have a talk with the management that I would bat only if India managed to reach a point from where the match could be won. Pujara and Rishabh Pant were batting well, they formed a partnership. We even felt that we could win the game. But unfortunately, Pant was out and the situation changed after that. We had to play for a draw from there on,” he said.

Rishabh Pant emerged highest run-getter for India and 3rd highest run-scorer in series with 274 runs in 3 Tests. His 89 not out on the fifth day sealed the match for India at the Gabba for a 2-1 series win. His 97 at Sydney ensured a draw while unbeaten 89 at Brisbane saw India winning the match and series.

“The way Ashwin and Vihari batted to save the game, they showed a lot of character. It’s not always about scoring runs when it comes to Test cricket. There are times and circumstances when you’ve got to save the match. It was a wonderful team effort, the way we saved the match batting so many overs.”Jadeja said he “didn’t realise that I had fractured my thumb amidst the momentum of batting.”

Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

“At that point during the game, all I had in mind was to add runs for India with the tail-enders. Still I didn’t realize that my finger was broken on the inside, there was pain of course but I thought it must have been the impact of the ball that hit my thumb,” he said.

“So I continued batting with that thought. But when I left the field and scans were done, then we got to know that it’s a broken thumb. But it’s okay, if I had to bat for the team in this situation I definitely would have.”

An injury-hit India fielding an inexperienced XI in 4th deciding Test scripted an incredible 2-1 win in the series after being bowled out for a record low score of 36 in the first Test in Adelaide. Ravindra Jadeja said after the Adelaide humiliation, India took the series as a three-match affair having a positive mindset.

“I think after Adelaide’s loss, it was a bit tough. It was tough as Australia’s bowling attack was very strong. We decided to look at it as a three-match series from thereon. We decided that we will create positive energy in the ground and boost each other’s confidence by talking, not think or talk about Adelaide Test. I personally decided that I will practice batting in Australia. I had a positive mindset that whenever I will get the chance I will contribute to the team’s cause.”

Ravindra Jadeja scored 85 runs with a highest of 57 and took 7 wickets averaging 15 with best of 4/62 in 2 Tests at Melbourne and Sydney.

Related Article
Rishabh Pant Is Very Confident Of Playing Entire IPL 2024: Ricky Ponting
Rishabh Pant Is Very Confident Of Playing Entire IPL 2024: Ricky Ponting

Feb 7, 2024, 11:54 AM


I Used To Go Back To My Room And Cry At 20-21 Years Of Age – Rishabh Pant Opens Up On His Comparison With Legendary MS Dhoni
I Used To Go Back To My Room And Cry At 20-21 Years Of Age – Rishabh Pant Opens Up On His Comparison With Legendary MS Dhoni

Feb 2, 2024, 5:18 PM


It Was The First Time I Had Such A Feeling In Life – Rishabh Pant Opens Up On Life-Threatening Car Accident
It Was The First Time I Had Such A Feeling In Life – Rishabh Pant Opens Up On Life-Threatening Car Accident

Feb 2, 2024, 10:43 AM


South Africa Opener Steve Stolk Breaks Rishabh Pant’s Record For The Fastest Fifty In U19 World Cups
South Africa Opener Steve Stolk Breaks Rishabh Pant’s Record For The Fastest Fifty In U19 World Cups

Jan 28, 2024, 11:31 AM


Rishabh Pant And Ishan Kishan In Contention For ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Squad
Rishabh Pant And Ishan Kishan In Contention For ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Squad

Jan 21, 2024, 4:23 PM


Yes, We Are Hoping For The Best: Delhi Capitals On Rishabh Pant’s Availability For IPL 2024
Yes, We Are Hoping For The Best: Delhi Capitals On Rishabh Pant’s Availability For IPL 2024

Jan 20, 2024, 4:13 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner