All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been named in India’s squad for the first two Tests of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
However, his inclusion is subject to his fitness ahead of the first Test, slated to get underway on February 9 in Nagpur.
Meanwhile, Jadeja is all set to make his return to competitive cricket after close to six months. He will lead Saurashtra in their final round of Ranji Trophy match against Tamil Nadu, scheduled to begin on January 24 in Chennai.
On the eve of the match, Jadeja addressed the media and said that his first priority is to get "100 percent" match fit ahead of the crucial Test series against Australia.
"I am feeling good to be back on the field. Very excited. Hopefully it will come good as a team and as an individual also," Jadeja told reporters.
"...See my first priority is to get on the field and be fit...100 per cent fit. Once I am 100 per cent fit, I will work more on my skills, whether it is batting or bowling. Now, my first priority is fitness..."
Notably, Jadeja had to leave Asia Cup midway in August 2022 to undergo surgery on his right knee. Subsequently, he underwent rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.
"I was at the NCA for 20 days. I was doing batting and bowling. Match scenario is different. I wanted one game before the Australia series, that's why I am here."
When asked if there was any discomfort now, Jadeja said: "Not really...after five months I am playing competitive cricket, so you don't feel confident initially.
"But as you progress, then definitely you get better and better. Injury is part of any sport. If you get injured, you have to start from scratch. The same thing in cricket.
"I was out of action for 5 months. I have to build my fitness. Once I get the confidence, I will definitely work on my skills and I will get better day by day."
He mentioned that it was probably the longest time he has been away from the game.
"I think so...because of surgery. You feel bad. Nobody wants to get injured at your peak time. It is part of the game. You have to keep that in mind and be prepared for it. You can't do anything. There is no guarantee that one won't get injured in cricket. It was a ligament tear. It is coming good. I am slowly getting confident."
While Jadeja had been practising at the NCA, he acknowledged that playing in a match is a different ball game.
"As I said, a match is a different thing. Different ball game...I will try to give my 100 per cent. I will try to go slowly, slowly. Let's see how my leg is feeling and then we will see."
(With PTI Inputs)
