Ravindra Jadeja has credited his participation in domestic cricket, particularly the Ranji Trophy, for his successful return to One Day Internationals (ODIs) and his preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Jadeja emphasized that playing domestic cricket helped him regain his rhythm and form after a break from the format following the 2023 World Cup final.
Domestic Cricket’s Impact:
Jadeja highlighted that the domestic matches he played allowed him to bowl a significant number of overs, which was instrumental in maintaining his rhythm and continuity.
He bowled approximately 30 overs in a Ranji Trophy match against Delhi, which he believes directly benefited his performance in the ODI series against England.
ODI Performance:
In the ODI series against England, Jadeja has been a key player, taking six wickets while conceding very few boundaries in 19 overs. His contributions have been crucial in India’s series win.
Jadeja noted the importance of quickly adapting to the ODI format, especially after a long absence. He mentioned that he focused on bowling Test match lines and lengths in ODIs
Team Support for Rohit Sharma:
Jadeja also praised Rohit Sharma’s century in the second ODI against England, recognizing it as a significant confidence booster for both the captain and the team ahead of the Champions Trophy.
He emphasized that the team maintained unwavering support for Sharma, even amidst criticism.
BCCI’s Emphasis on Domestic Cricket:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been encouraging players to participate in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy unless they are injured or require workload management.
This initiative saw players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return to play domestic cricket after long gaps. The board views participation in matches as the best way for cricketers to improve.
Jadeja’s Recent Ranji Trophy Performance:
Jadeja made a notable return to the Ranji Trophy, taking a five-wicket haul in a match against Delhi.
Jadeja’s successful comeback and his emphasis on the importance of domestic cricket highlight the significance of tournaments like the Ranji Trophy in preparing players for international cricket and maintaining their form.
