Even though India are having a great time in the ongoing T20 World Cup, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has come under the scanner for his poor form.
Jadeja is yet to make a mark in the multi-nation tournament so far, having amassed only 16 runs at an average of 8 and a strike-rate of 145.45. With the ball, he hasn’t stepped up as well, having taken only one wicket at an economy rate of 7.80.
During India’s last Super 8 match against Australia on June 24 in St Lucia, Jadeja scored 9* off 5 balls. Thereafter, he conceded 17 runs in the one over that he bowled.
Amid the scrutiny, Gavaskar has come to the defence of Jadeja, saying that the latter brings in a lot of value with his experience and fielding skills.
“I am not at all concerned as he is very experienced. For whatever opportunities he's got, he's done well. And don't forget, in the field itself, he saved 20 to 30 runs with his fielding ability, taking catches, and getting the run out. So don't forget those 20-30 plus runs. Then he enters the field, with anything that he does with the bat and ball is an added value to his ability.
“So I don't think we should even think about questioning (Jadeja). The problem with India and Indian fans is, 2 bad games and you go ‘what to do with him, what to do with him?’," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
"You know that is the worry. Nobody who asks these questions even thinks about their own professions, whether they have made 2 errors and whether people are questioning their place in their own profession, whichever profession they are. This is just simply a good topic for television, you don't question Jadeja's place in the playing XI. He's a rock star," he further added.
Meanwhile, India secured a berth in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 after beating Australia by 24 runs.
Asked to bat first, the Men in Blue rode on skipper Rohit Sharma’s brutal 92 off 41 balls to rack up a mammoth 205/5 on the board. Suryakumar Yadav (31 off 16) and Hardik Pandya (27* off 17) also made handy contributions with the bat.
The Indian bowlers then restricted the Aussies to 181/7. Kuldeep Yadav starred with the ball, returning with the figures of 2/24 in his four overs.
In the semi-final, India will be up against Jos Buttler’s England at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday (June 27).
