A known name in the domestic circuit, Kedar Jadhav has once again been presented with the opportunity of displaying his skills at the international level as the Indian team embarks on the tour to Zimbabwe.
The stroke player from Pune has often showed an ability to hit a range of shots and big ones in-spite of his small built.
Jadhav, who has earlier toured with the India A side and played his only ODI against Sri Lanka is keen to make the most of the opportunity. Speaking about the forthcoming tour, he said, “This is a good opportunity and I will try to make the most of it. My strength is to play the shots and I will try and do that. I am focusing on my batting.”
Elaborating on his preparations, Jadhav told the media in Mumbai, “When I spoke to my coach in Pune and couple of players in this team who have been to Zimbabwe, I came to know that there is a little more bounce as compared to India. So I worked on astro-turf and turf wickets which have a good bounce and movement. I have worked on batting in a disciplined manner. To start with, I was trying to bat with discipline for the first half-hour and then after an hour or so, my game is such that I won’t have to be told to change gears. It will happen automatically. So I am just focusing on starting my innings and then building it up.”
“When it comes to mental preparedness, performing under pressure I feel and comes naturally to me. I feel the more I am cornered the better I perform. Last year when I toured Australia with the A side, my wrist was fractured and though I didn’t know it at the time the pain was there. I knew it was an important for me to perform and I continued to play and off the four I played crucial knock in three and we won the tournament. I came to know that I had suffered a fracture when I returned and I gained strength and confidence that if I could perform in Australian conditions with an injury than I can play really well if I am fitter,” he added.
“This is the best opportunity to prove that you can score runs at an international level. I will be enjoying my batting and obviously fielding and will try and fulfill my role with responsibility. I will bat where ever the team needs me. Every opportunity is big. I am going to enjoy my game and give more than my hundred percent to help the team win,” he said while speaking about the opportunity further.
Asked about his role in the batting line-up and what he expects since the captain for the tour, Ajinkya Rahane said that it will be decided later, Jadhav replied, “The selectors have (on previous occasions) spoken to me about playing the role of a finisher. Whenever I have played for India A or Rest of India, I have batted at No 5 or 6 so I am just expecting to be given the same role, that of a finisher and I am excited about it.”
“In the IPL I got opportunity to play that role and got trained to bat in death overs. I am happy that it gave to experience to play till the last.”
“Analysing the situation and reacting according to it and according to what the team needs that is what will make you a good international player and that’s what I am looking to do,” he added.
