Ravindra Jadeja celebrates with captain Shubman Gill after taking the wicket of West Indies’ Brandon King. (PTI Photo)
NEW DELHI: All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja continued to shine as India dominated West Indies in the first Test at Ahmedabad, scoring an unbeaten century and taking four wickets in the second innings to earn the ‘Player of the Match’ award. Following the win, Jadeja was asked about chasing the legendary Kapil Dev’s double of 400 Test wickets and 5,000 runs.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!With characteristic humility, Jadeja laughed off the pressure. “Sir you are putting pressure on me now (laughs). Now I would have to think of scoring 1,000 runs or so and taking 60-70 more wickets (laughs). At this stage of my career, I am just enjoying my cricket. I am not thinking about milestones and records, just working on my fitness and enjoying my cricket. I always work on my fitness so that I can continue doing what I have been doing for so many years,” he said.Jadeja’s numbers speak volumes. In 86 Tests, he has amassed 3,990 runs at 38.73, with six centuries and 27 fifties, alongside 334 wickets at 25.07, including 15 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket matches.
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Reflecting on his current form, Jadeja said batting at number six has allowed him to pace his innings better. “I had been batting at number 8 and 9 a few years ago but now I got my place at 6. I have time to prepare myself, and I can pace my innings. I do not need to hurry, I do not need to rush unnecessarily,” he explained.India had put West Indies under pressure early, with Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar exploiting a superb wicket to bowl them out for 162. In reply, KL Rahul (100), Dhruv Jurel (125), and Jadeja (104) propelled India to 448/5 declared, setting up a massive lead. The visitors were dismissed for 146 in their second innings, giving India an innings and 140-run victory.Jadeja also praised the team management and captain Shubman Gill, emphasising collective effort and guidance for the spin unit. “Everyone is experienced enough, and there is no need to give unnecessary suggestions… Everyone is working hard. Everyone is positive, that is good to see,” he concluded.India now lead the series 1-0, with the second Test scheduled in Delhi from October 10.
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