Ravindra Jadeja on setback against New Zealand: ‘I had thought that as long as I played for India, we won’t lose a Test series at home’ | Cricket News
Ravindra Jadeja had a wish that as long as he remains part of the Indian squad, they will remain unbeaten in a Test series at home. After all, he made his Test debut in Nagpur in 2012 against England, and that was the last time India had lost a Test series in their own backyard (even though that Test ended in a draw). From there on, India had won 18 series in a row.
But, after defeats in Bengaluru and Pune, the streak was broken New Zealand. “I was afraid of this. Personally, I had thought that as long as I played for India, I didn’t want to lose a single series at home. But this also happened,” Jadeja said. He added with a chuckle that he didn’t want to think about such things and jinx it now. “Whatever I think about, it happens suddenly.”
The Saurashtra all-rounder said that India have raised expectations their consent performances. “When you raise your expectations so high and then you lose a series after 12 years, it looks very different. These things happen, but as a team, it is a lesson. We need to pick up positives from this and deal with what situation comes next,” he added.
Personally, Jadeja had found a good bowling rhythm in New Zealand’s second innings in Pune and carried that form into Mumbai and was the best Indian bowler on display on Day 1 after the visitors opted to bat. He finished with figures of 5/65 and picked up his 14th five-wicket haul in Tests. Jadeja explained that he hadn’t changed much with this bowling, but sometimes luck plays a factor on turning pitches.
After bundling out New Zealand for 235 runs in the first innings, the Indian team were placed in a comfortable position… until the last 15 minutes of play. A stunning collapse saw them lose three quick wickets in 10 minutes, including the big ones of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. Jadeja said, “It happens, in a team game, you can’t blame anyone. Everyone makes small makes but our remaining batters will have to make small partnerships. If the upcoming batsmen make small contributions, it will be good.”
