Ravindra Jadeja has come under severe scrutiny for his underwhelming display during India’s seven-wicket defeat in the second ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot on Thursday (January 14).
Batting at No. 6, the veteran all-rounder took 44 deliveries to score 27 runs. He then failed to claim a wicket (0-44) in his 8 overs as the Kiwis chased down the target of 285 with 15 deliveries to spare.
Jadeja failed to make a mark in the series opener in Vadodara as well, scoring 4 off 5 balls and returning with the bowling figures of 0/56 in his 9 overs. He could scalp only one batter in the preceding three-match ODI series against South Africa at home.
On the eve of the series-deciding third ODI in Indore, India pacer Mohammed Siraj threw his weight behind Jadeja, backing the under-fire all-rounder to rediscover his rhythm quickly.
"I don't think there is any concern about Jadeja's form. It is a matter of just one wicket. Once you get that breakthrough, you will see a different bowler altogether," Siraj said at the pre-match presser.
Siraj expressed confidence in the bowling unit despite being put under pressure in the second ODI, where missed opportunities allowed the visitors to level the series.
"We played very well in both matches. In the first ODI, our bowling and batting were very good. In the second match, even after losing early wickets, KL Rahul batted well and Nitish Reddy also contributed,” he stated.
Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 131 overshadowed Rahul’s 112* as the Black Caps outclassed India in Rajkot. Reflecting on Mitchell's match-winning knock, Siraj conceded that poor fielding cost them badly.
"There was an opportunity. When the catch dropped, if we had taken that chance, the result could have been different. World-class batters don't give you many opportunities, and when they get one, they make you pay,” he said.
Asked why Mitchell has consistently troubled India, Siraj replied: "We tried our best to get him out and had plans, especially for the middle overs. But again, it comes down to taking that one opportunity. If we had taken that wicket, the scenario would have been different."
Siraj also stressed that the team morale remains high despite the series going into a decider.
"The team environment is very good. There is strong input from the seniors. Wins and losses happen, but the atmosphere in the dressing room is very healthy, especially as we prepare for bigger tournaments,” he remarked.
Arshdeep Singh’s snub from the playing XI in the first two ODIs raised eyebrows. Commenting on the prospect of left-arm quick sharing the new ball at the small Holkar Cricket Stadium, Siraj said the decision remains with the management.
“Arshdeep has bowled very well and took wickets with the new ball. The captain and coach decide the roles, but as a bowler, if someone is taking wickets at the other end, my job is to build pressure and not give runs. I have full confidence in him," Siraj said.
"Harshit (Rana) has also done well, taken wicket upfront. It's good for him that he is getting an opportunity ahead of the World Cup."
Talking about his omission from the T20 World Cup, Siraj said he would have loved to compete in the marquee event but workload management perhaps dictated the decision.
With Indore pitch traditionally being a batting paradise, Siraj said he would stick to bowling a stump-to-stump line.
"It is a small ground and usually a high-scoring venue. As a bowler, if you bowl stump-to-stump, you always have options like LBW or bowled. Even if you miss, there is still a wicket chance," he concluded.
(With PTI Inputs)
