Ravindra Jadeja Interview about ICC T20 World Cup West Indies 2010

On the eve of the India’s departure to the West Indies for the World T20 2010, one player who can call himself fully fit and fresh is Ravindra Jadeja.

After the Indian Premiere League 2010 banned the Saurashtra all-rounder for negotiating with two teams, Jadeja witnessed all 45 days of the tournament from his home in Jamnagar City.

The 21-year-old is, however, yet to play any competitive game since he played against South Africa in February. In a chat with The Indian Express, Jadeja spoke about his expectations from the World Cup and the disappointment of missing out on the IPL action.

Excerpts:

Do you consider yourself lucky to be part of the T20 World Cup team?

• It’s hard to say, but I’m really happy to be part of the World Cup team. I was hoping that my name appeared (in the squad). I’m really eager to go out there and perform. I was part of the India U-19 side that won the junior World Cup three years ago and this time I’m hoping to be part of the World Cup-winning India team.

Are you confident of doing well?

• I’m just hoping that all goes well. I will try to give my 110 per cent on the field. But the most important thing will be to try and get a winning momentum going for the team.

How was it to be out of action for more than 50 days?

• It was a really hard thing to do to miss the action and sit at home. I had a fixed schedule. Early in the morning I used to have a batting session, then I would run for a short while and in the evening, there was a bowling session along with some fielding. I also played a few T20 matches to try and stay in good touch.

Were you disappointed with the situation?

• Yes, there is no doubt that I was disappointed. There are 14 matches in the IPL and it would have been great preparation for the World Cup. You get a better idea of what you need to be doing when you are playing matches. The match situation, the pressure, the crowds, the tips from fellow players, you don’t get all that sitting at home.

What made you commit the mistake of negotiating with two franchises?

• There is no point in looking back, at the moment my focus is on the World Cup. I didn’t play cricket for 45 days, there was frustration but I’m keeping my fingers crossed now. It hurts when you see your colleagues playing and you are practicing at home.

Do you think your role (in the Indian team) will be restricted to that of a bowler?

• I’m not sure what the team will need me to do. I just want to perform well, be it bowling, fielding or batting.

Salim Durrani Interview about Ravindra Jadeja Jamnagar News Gujarat India

In his playing days, Salim Durrani was often called poor man’s Gary Sobers. Left-handed Durrani could turn the match on its head with his batting or spin bowling.

Of late, Durrani has bemoaned the lack of all-rounders in India, but fellow Jamnagarite Ravindra Jadeja has raised his hopes. In this interview, Durrani talks about what makes Jadeja such an exciting prospect.

Do you think the current Indian team is the best ever?
It is a debatable topic. The team is playing superb cricket and full credit to Mahendra Singh Dhoni for leading the side the way he does. But I am really impressed with Sachin Tendulkar.

He has been playing for more than two decades but still bats like an 18-year-old. The team’s success is largely due to Sachin Tendulkar form and presence.

Fielding has been a big concern...
If we hope to win the World Cup, fielding has to improve. Look at Australia and South Africa. Luckily, we have some good fielders in Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja.

Just like you, Jadeja is a left-hander and bowls spin. Does he remind you of you?

Ravindra has put Jamnagar back on cricket map. Jamnagar used to be the Mecca of Indian cricket and now with Ravindra’s arrival, the spirit is back. He has a bright future and will be a great asset for the team.

What’s your advice to him?

Ravindra the batsman needs to be patient. He needs a really big innings at the highest level under his belt. As a bowler, he should bring more variation in pace.

Do you regret not getting an opportunity to play Twenty20?

Not at all. I was an attacking batsman and always played cricket in T20 fashion. No regrets.

A word on Delhi’s pitch fiasco?

It is not only unfortunate for cricket but for spectators as well. The cricket board should come up with a new pitches committee that should include only curator and former cricketers who have played at the highest level.