Ravindra Jadeja says 2018 Oval Test against England changed everything for him

Ravindra Jadeja scored 86* batting at No.8 against England in fifth Test at Oval in 2018.

Start Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja says that the fifth Test against England in Oval in 2018 changed everything for him. 

Ravindra Jadeja’s turnaround in international cricket has been remarkable. The swashbuckling all-rounder is one of the few players who is an automatic selection in the Indian playing XI in all three formats of the game. 

During India’s tour to England in 2018, Team India was tumbling at 160/6 in the first innings while chasing 332 in the fifth Test at Oval. 

Coming to bat at No.8 Ravindra Jadeja scored a superb 86 to help the team to a respectable total and the all-rounder believes that his rise in international cricket began with that innings at Oval. 

In an interaction with The Indian Express, Ravindra Jadeja said that the fifth Test match against England in 2018 changed everything for me because scoring against the best bowling attacks in English conditions boosted his confidence and he felt he can score anywhere in the world.

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“That Test changed everything for me, poor (complete) game — my performance, my confidence, everything. When you score in English conditions against the best bowling attack, it greatly impacts your confidence. It makes you feel your technique is good enough to score anywhere in the world,” Ravindra Jadeja told The Indian Express.

Jadeja and admitted that when he was not playing he had sleepless nights, all-time he used to think about how he’ll bounce back. 

“Honestly, those one-and-a-half years were filled with sleepless nights. Through that phase, I remember I would be up till 4-5 am. I would be thinking about what to do, how am I going to bounce back? I couldn’t sleep. I would be lying down but Jaga hi rehta that (would remain awake),” he said. 

Ravindra Jadeja is currently with Team India, serving mandatory quarantine in Mumbai before flying to the UK for the final of ICC World Test Championship and then five-Test series against England. The all-rounder’s form would be crucial for Virat Kohli-led side if they have to fancy their chances of winning the ICC event and Test series. 

(The Indian Express inputs)