After a thumping victory in the second ODI at Kochi, the Indian team arrived at captain MS Dhoni’s hometown in high spirits, keen to carry forward their winning momentum. The Men in Blue had quite an audience cheering them as they went about their fielding sessions and intense training drills at the JSCA under lights Thursday evening.
And as they had done before the previous match, Duncan Fletcher’s wards arrived for a morning session of batting and bowling as well. After the bowlers kick started the practice session under the guidance of bowling coach Joe Dawes, they were joined by the rest of the contingent a while later at the nets.
After rolling his arm over and knocking around a few balls, Ravindra Jadeja addressed the media at the JSCA. Ahead of the third one-dayer, the Man of the Match of the Kochi encounter said, “We had played well in the last game; our energy level was high, right from the first ball. We will try to carry forward the momentum from the last game. Our batting, bowling, fielding, everything went well and we will try to keep the same thinking in this game also. Whatever the situation, we will play according to it and try to win the game for the team. We hope to keep doing well.”
Asked about his impressions of the newly-built spacious stadium, which will be hosting its first international game, Jadeja said, “The stadium looks great, the ground is nice. The facilities in the dressing room are good. This is the first match in Ranchi and we hope to win it.”
“We had a look at the centre wicket, but do not know how it will play for the first time. We will try to – whatever wicket it is – play good cricket.”
He further added that his skipper was especially looking forward to this game. “He [MS Dhoni] is obviously excited about playing his first game at home.”
“We are all positive and looking forward to winning the game. We hope to do the right thing and give our best,” he said.
Speaking about his own good form, Jadeja told the media, “The Ranji Trophy season went really well, and the two triple centuries gave a boost to my confidence. Playing those two long innings was a positive point. After that, all that I was thinking was that whenever I get the next opportunity in the team, I will do well.”
“Earlier, I used to play wrong shots and get out because of poor shot selection. Now when I get a chance, I make sure that I bat till the end; I don’t throw away my wicket and help the team win”
The all-rounder also said, “Bowling has always been good for me. There have been a few ups and downs, but those happen. But I always rely on my strength – I stick to bowling stump to stump without experimenting too much. I always use my mind while bowling and have not changed that approach.”
“The last game was good. I did well while batting and bowling; will try to do the same tomorrow as well and try to play according to the situation and try to help the team win. I will try and do what is required,” he said.
When asked about Virat Kohli’s form and whether the lack of it adds pressure to those batting lower down the order, he said, “Virat has done very well for the country over the last one year. The ups and downs are a part of any cricketer’s life. […] If he plays one good innings, then he will be back to run-scoring. When he does well for the team, the team’s morale and confidence is on a high. So, I hope he does well tomorrow and helps India win.”
