Ravindra Jadeja of Rajasthan Royals (PTI Image)
Ravindra Jadeja produced an all-round match-winning performance as Rajasthan Royals defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 40 runs, and the veteran all-rounder later reflected on his efforts with a mixture of clarity, humor and gratitude. Earned man of the match for his unbeaten 43-goal record and impact on the ball, Jadeja started the match on an honest note. “Yes, I feel good, you know, getting the man of the match and winning the team. So, yes, I feel very good, but before I start, I would like to dedicate this award to the Gujarat Education Minister because yesterday she told me that she told me that you will do miracles tomorrow. So I would like to thank her.” Jadeja’s knock came at a crucial time when Rajasthan’s top order faltered once again.
He revealed that the circumstances are far from easy and require patience. “Yes, the wicket wasn’t that easy because the ball was swinging and swinging. So I thought, let me play as long as I can. And that’s what I was talking to Donovan and whoever comes along with the batting. So I was just talking to him that we’re going to play longer because in T20 cricket, you never know.”
The last time, as we like to take advantage, it’s like we got 20 odd runs last time.
This is beyond thinking.” He also demonstrated his style against Mayank Yadav in the final match as Rajasthan managed to finish the match strongly. “Yes, I think coming from injury, bowling is not that easy that fast. But I was backing my strength and I was talking to my partner that let’s support each other and let’s play a good cricket shot. Because as I said, on this wicket, the ball was sticking a lot and the bounce was there.”
So, it is not easy to be able to play any shot at any time.
“ There was also a lighter moment when Jadeja spoke about his celebration after Nicholas Pooran’s sacking. “Yes, it’s in my pocket (laughs). Nothing, just a random idea that came into my mind and I did it.” With the ball, Jadeja highlighted how he adapts to the conditions by changing his pace. “No, because the ball was a little bit tight. So I was just thinking should I bowl faster on this wicket or should I bowl slower? So I thought, okay, I’ll bowl some slower balls.”
Then I realized that yes, if I bowled slowly, I might be able to catch a bit of the wicket. So that’s what I was looking to do. He also spoke about his specific plans against Mitchell Marsh. “Because the middle side and the long side were a little shorter compared to the other sides. So I knew he might play that shot at some point. So I was just playing and mixing with my speed, and the slow, wide and full ball as well. Today it looked like I was playing slow.” Jadeja’s performance proved crucial in a match in which the Rajasthan batsman once again struggled for rhythm. His late flourish ensured they reached 159 for 6, and led the bowlers
Jofra Archer
they did the rest as LSG were bowled out for 119. On a night when Rajasthan needed someone to step up, Jadeja provided both ball and bat, once again underscoring his value.