LONDON: Indian cricket fans from the US had booed Ravindra Jadeja when the Indian all-rounder was hammered by the Australian T20 team in the 2010 World championship in the West Indies. It turned nasty later when some Indian cricketers got involved in a scuffle with those fans in a cafe. Jadeja would like to forget that bitter time.

The Jamnagar boy would also like to answer his critics who questioned his ability and temperament these past two years. It surely was a rough ride but he did not give up and despite getting in and out of the ODI team last year, he forced people to take notice of his big-hitting skills in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL).

Last year, Jadeja was picked as a bowling all-rounder for the Asia Cup, where his performance was ordinary. India won that tournament and Jadeja was later picked in the squad for the home series against the New Zealand ODI team last December. However, he was not considered for the one-day series against the South Africans just before the World Cup.

His biggest low so far came when he was banned by the BCCI in 2009 for hobnobbing with IPL owners to bargain for more money. Within a year, Jadeja was back into the thick of things. Still, he couldn't find a place in the World Cup team as the No.7 all-rounder's slot went to Yusuf Pathan for his aggressive stroke play.

This year's IPL was different. Playing for a new team Kochi Tuskers, he scored briskly and also whacked the odd delivery out of the park, with fair bit of power. He has certainly beefed up, having worked hours at the gym. His left-arm spin also played a crucial role in his team's campaign as he made full use of his ability to spin the ball away from the right-hander.

After being named as the replacement for injured Gautam Gambhir on August 31, Jadeja had to wait for a week to get the visa clearance. He waited and so did his team.

At the Oval on Friday night, he came to bat when India were tottering at 58 for 5, and held his nerve to make a fighting 78 off 89 balls. "I am thankful to Dhonibhai for guiding me throughout my innings. He kept telling me to play straight and it really helped. I also enjoyed bowling against a quality opposition," Jadeja said

Even skipper MS Dhoni was full of praise for his young colleague. "I think he applied himself very well. I am really pleased with the way he batted. He also bowled well and for next two matches we have at least someone who is a regular fifth bowler," he said. "Earlier, it was his batting which was a concern. He looks a more complete player now." Hi ! Do you like this story? Post a Comment Follow this topic