Ravindra Jadeja’s promotion to No.4 in the batting order played a crucial role in India’s victory over Pakistan on Sunday. The left-hander made 35 but the manner in which he upset Pakistan spinners Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz’s rhythm tilted the scales in India’s favour. On the eve of their match against Hong Kong, Jadeja said he was promoted keeping in mind the presence of a leg-spinner and left-arm spinner.

“Of course (I knew it was coming)... I knew such a situation would come after seeing their playing XI. I was mentally ready. Luckily, I scored those crucial runs for the team,” Jadeja said of India’s five-wicket win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Group A opener on Sunday.

“I was the only left-hander in the top-seven, sometimes when left-arm spinners and leg-spinners are bowling, it’s easy for a left-hander to take chances. I just play according to the situation... In T20, you don’t have much time to think, you just go out there and express yourself. I just have to score runs while batting and give breakthroughs when it’s needed.”

Asked if his batting at No. 4 is the way forward, Jadeja said: “It depends on the situation and the opponent bowlers.” Jadeja consolidated India’s chase with a 36-run stand with Suryakumar Yadav (18) in the middle overs before putting on a match-winning 52-run partnership with Hardik Pandya. “India-Pakistan matches are always high-pressure games. You have high expectations.

“I don’t think there was anything much to discuss. Everyone contributed in batting, bowling and catches. There was not much to discuss and dissect.” Despite returning wicketless, Jadeja was happy with Yuzvendra Chahal and his bowling performance.

“Spinners did well, sometimes you do well but don’t get wickets. T20 format is like that. As a bowling unit, we did well. It was a collective effort,” he said. On their match against Hong Kong, Jadeja said: “We are going to play against Hong Kong with a positive mindset and we will not take them lightly. Anything can happen in T20Is.”