NEWS
Follow UsWhile backing coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma’s experimentation in the series, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said he feels there should not be much made of India’s loss to West Indies in the second One-Day International (ODI) in Barbados, stressing that losses are part of the game especially when you are trying out some new combination.
After winning the first ODI by five wickets, the hosts levelled the series in the second game, thrashing India by six wickets without senior players like Rohit and Virat Kohli. Head coach Rahul Dravid after the match, had said that they would not have gotten many answers had both the senior players played, keeping one eye on the Asia Cup and World Cup in the coming months.
“This is the series before the Asia Cup and World Cup, where we can experiment and change the combination, play batters in different positions and see how they fare,” Jadeja said on the team’s thought process ahead of the series decider in Trinidad.
“Once we get into the Asia Cup and the World Cup, we can no longer experiment. We'll understand the team's balance, combination and strength. Whatever we have to do, this is the best opportunity.
Overall, the management and captain know the team we will play. But, if we want to check out one particular player for a specific number, and the coach is trying that out. We did not lose the match due to the experimentation.
“Sometimes, it is due to the wicket which behaves in a way in the first half and behaves differently in the second. That's why the result can vary. The one loss has not created any confusion or doubt.”
Jadeja has played all the matches on this tour so far, and while he personally would not like to rest, he says he is happy to do it if it means providing an opportunity to someone new. India have not lost a series against West Indies since 2006, and Jadeja assures the team will do everything to keep the record intact.
“I would want to play all the games as it allows me to learn something. However, if the team wants to have a look at someone else, I am ready to do it. It is a team game. That will always be the priority. It will also show what a young player can do at the international level after starring in the IPL and domestic circuit,” Jadeja explained.
“We are very confident. We are not in any doubt. We have lost one game, but it happens. When you try something different, it will happen. We will give our best and look to win the series.”
Speaking of the West Indies team, Jadeja reckons they will get better as they play more and more games.
“They also have a young team. They are learning. They are getting better and better. The more they play, they'll get better,” Jadeja said.
“They have a young, talented team. I'm sure they will learn from the Indian team because we have a good group of senior players. They will learn something from them. They have a good future. I won't say they aren't good. They will learn and progress further.”
Following the conclusion of the ODI series on Tuesday (August 1), India and West Indies clash in five T20 Internationals (T20I), starting August 3
Former India captains Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar think the current players are arrogant due to their fame and the exorbitant money they earn in the IPL. Gavaskar also added that the previous players like VVS Laxman, Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar often came to him for advice, which is not the case these days.
Reacting to that, Jadeja said, “Everyone has their own opinion. But that is not the case. The players have not taken their place for granted. Everyone's working hard. Whenever we get a chance, we are giving our 100% and looking to help India to victory.
“These statements come when India loses a match here and there, and questions are raised. Nobody is arrogant. Everyone is representing India. Everybody is young, hardworking. Everyone's focus is to represent India. Nobody has a personal agenda.”
Following the conclusion of the ODI series on Tuesday (August 1), India and West Indies clash in five T20 Internationals (T20I), starting August 3
