Team India had a good first half-an-hour on the first day of the fourth Test at The Oval. However, things went downhill and the team was reduced to 39/3 within the first 20 overs.
Everyone was surprised to see Ravindra Jadeja join skipper Virat Kohli after the third wicket fell. The all-rounder walked in ahead of vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. The decision, however, did not pay dividends as Jadeja got out on just 10.
Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar was evidently disappointed with the decision and said that Team India was overestimating Jadeja’s capabilities with the bat.
"I think the T20 Way of thinking has come in. I think they overestimated the ability of Jadeja to play at No. 5. In these conditions, it was a disaster waiting for him.
"I think Indian cricket is overestimating Jadeja's batting ability in overseas conditions. In India, send him at No. 5, there is going to be no problem. In these conditions, we saw while he was out there when the ball was swinging, he didn't look comfortable," Manjrekar said on Sony Sports.
Jadeja averages 30 away from home, a touch less than his career average of 34.32. However, his average goes down to 27.93 in England. The southpaw has done well while playing with the tail in this series but failed to make an impression when promoted up the order.
Team India was bowled out for 191 with the help of half-centuries from Kohli and Shardul Thakur. The Mumbai pacer scored his 50 off only 31 balls, setting a record for the second-fastest 50 by an Indian, ending up with 57 runs.
Former India pacer Ajit Agarkar blamed the team selection for the poor display with the bat.
"I think the team selection... enough has been spoken about it. If you think, these conditions are difficult to bat, why not have an extra batsman? And then 4 bowlers should be able to get the job done, considering these bowlers are fit," Agarkar said.
