Dubai 30 August : All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who played an important role in India’s victory over Pakistan on Tuesday, admitted that he was mentally ready to play at No.4.The opposition had left-arm spinner as well as leg spinner.Jadeja who scored an important 29-ball 35 in India’s victory against their arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening game in the Asia Cup on Sunday, took to the field after the wickets of opener K.L Rahul and captain Rohit Sharma.
He was able to share 52 runs with Hardik Pandya (33 not out) for the fifth wicket, but was ruled out in the first ball of the final over.
But, Pandya remained not out and ended the match with an unbeaten six off the 4th ball of the 20th over.
“Sometimes left-arm spinners as well as leg spinners bowl so sending batters who are left-handed is easy and they’re more likely to take chances.
This is the reason I was made a captain,” Jadeja said in the press conference that preceded the game against Hong Kong.
“We were able to see their (Pakistan) playing XI and they included a left-arm spinner as well as a leg spinner.
I was aware that I was in a position to face this scenario.I mentally prepared myself for the situation.
Luckily, I made it and my knock was vital,” he added.
India play Hong Kong, who made it through qualifying the next match in the Asia Cup on Wednesday.
“We will be playing against Hong Kong with a positive attitude and we won’t play the game lightly.On any particular day, anything could occur in T20Is.
We will do our best and play with confidence,” Jadeja said.
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