Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja believes that his team was a bit unlucky when they last toured England in 2018 and suffered a 1-4 loss in the Test series, but this time the tourists are well prepared and have a very good balanced team to win the ongoing five-match Test series in the UK.
Jadeja told ANI ahead of the Lord’s Test on Thursday, “Yes, as we have been in the UK since the last two months, it's been a good preparation time for us. Especially in the English condition, people get ready and prepared for the Test series. So, we had enough time before this series.”
He added, “I think the last time we played, we were a bit unlucky (2018). But, we have a very good balanced team and an all-rounder team. We have good fast-bowlers, spinners, and good batsmen. Plus, everyone is young in the team, so I think we have a good chance this time to win this series in England.”
The all-rounder also opened up about the areas he has worked on to become a multi-format player from being a white-ball specialist, especially with the bat.
He added, “I have changed nothing majorly in my skills. Generally, I look to believe in myself. Nowadays when I get a chance to bat or bowl, I believe in myself and look to give everything I have. That's the difference between the past and now.
Before the game, I just focus on my skill, what I can do better and what I can improve more, whether it's batting, bowling or fielding. I look to just improve game by game. I don't change too much before the game. I just back myself and believe in myself.”
On India captain and his U-19 teammate Virat Kohli, Jadeja said: “Yes, I have been playing with him since under-19. He has matured now and is always positive. He always looks to win the game no matter with which team we are playing, whether we are playing a big game or just a normal series.”
The left-hander continued, “He is always dominant, so, he creates a good environment within the team, and that is the plus point of his captaincy and he always looks to be aggressive on the field.”
The 32-year-old also believes that the second phase of the IPL 2021 starting on September 19 in the UAE will be the perfect preparation for India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
Jadeja signed off by saying, “Yes, the IPL comes right after the England Test series so its good preparation before the World Cup. Plus, we are playing both IPL and World Cup in UAE, and I think the same venue helps us a lot. That will be good preparation before the World Cup.”
(With ANI Inputs)
