Jadeja ready to return to Ranji to prove fitness before Australia series
Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is set to make a comeback in Saurashtra’s Ranji Trophy final round against Tamil Nadu starting January 24 in Chennai. He had pulled out of the Asia Cup in September last year to undergo knee surgery (on the right leg). Jadeja (34 years) is currently undergoing ‘rehabilitation’ process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and has been named in the 17-member squad for the first two Tests of the four-match series against Australia starting February 9 in Nagpur. has been chosen.
However, his availability will depend on his fitness and a decision on Jadeja’s fitness is likely to be taken during the four-day Ranji Trophy match itself. Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) president Jaydev Shah told PTI, “It would be good if he plays for Saurashtra.” Maybe he will play, but I don’t know more about it. Jadeja has not played any competitive cricket since the T20 International against Hong Kong in the Asia Cup on 31 August. His first-class match before this was the only Test match against England at Edgbaston in July last year.
According to reports, Jadeja resumed bowling and batting earlier this week as he nears the end of his rehabilitation at the NCA. The left-handed batsman is being seen as a key player in the Indian line-up in the middle order at number five or six, especially in the absence of Rishabh Pant. Also, his left-arm spin could prove useful in the four-match series alongside top off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
This series would determine India’s second consecutive final appearance in the World Test Championship. Jadeja played a key role in the 2016–17 series against Australia in which he was named Player of the Series for his 25 wickets and 127 runs as India made a comeback to record a memorable 2–1 win. . Jadeja has taken 82 wickets in 19 Tests since 2017 and scored 898 runs with the bat at an average of 52.82, including two centuries and seven half-centuries.
