India didn’t lose a home Test series for 12 years before being outsmarted by New Zealand in the ongoing contest. Ravindra Jadeja has been an integral part of the almost invincible Indian team at home. But this setback against the Black Caps has taught Jadeja a lesson.
“Firstly, I had this fear… personally I had thought that I wouldn’t lose a series in India as long as I am playing. But that too has happened,” he said after opening day’s play in the third Test.
“We won 18 series (at home), I thought as long as I am playing Test cricket in India we won’t lose a series but that has happened, so I am not surprised with anything (that is happening).
“We have set the expectations really high. In the last 12 years, we did not lose a single series and we lost a total of five Test matches in which I played.
“I think this is a good achievement, but when you set such high expectations and lose a series, it stands out and that is what is happening.”
Jadeja was India’s standout performer on Friday as he claimed his 14th five-for in Tests to trigger a collapse in New Zealand’s first innings.
But after bowling out the visitors for 235, India conceded some of the advantage as they were reduced to 86/4 by stumps. However, for the dramatic collapse — India was 78/1 at one stage — Jadeja felt that the team would have to share the blame.
“It all unfolded in a mere 10 minutes... (we) did not get any time to react. But it happens, it is a team game, any individual cannot be blamed specifically… small mistakes keep happening,” Jadeja said.
Expressing optimism ahead of the second day’s play, Jadeja said: “But the next batters will have to forge partnerships and try and get past(the score of) 230 (235), only then the second inningswill come into play. It will be good if they make their contributions.”
In fact, he believes India can go on to win the Test. “We still have a chance. Hopefully, we will bat well tomorrow (Saturday), and given that there is something happening on the wicket, if we also bowl well, then it will be good.
