India’s senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja reflects on his knock of 89 and his 203-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill, leading India’s recovery.
Ravindra Jadeja was under scrutiny following the conclusion of the first Test, as his batting and bowling were criticised by experts, and a few even questioned his spot in the team. But the all-rounder proved his critics wrong with a brilliant knock of 89 (137) coming in at number 7.
Moreover, his key partnership of 203 runs with his captain, Shubman Gill, changed the landscape of the first innings. From 211/5, this partnership took the total Indian team total 414 runs. He complemented his skipper, who went on to score his highest Test score of 269, breaking several records.
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Jadeja’s Smart Move: Early Net Practice Despite BCCI Restrictions
Looking back at his innings, Jadeja highlighted a smart move that helped him adjust to English conditions. The senior all-rounder worked around a BCCI mandate to get some extra batting practice in the nets against the new ball. The board had implemented strict rules after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025, including that the team must travel together at all times.
Jadeja managed to leave the hotel early for extra net practice a decision that, according to him, paid off:
“Somewhere I felt that I should go and bat extra because the ball was still new,” Jadeja explained in the press briefing after the day's play. “If I can see the new ball off, it would become easy for the rest of the innings. In England, you never feel set the ball can swing anytime and take your edge.”
Also read: IND vs ENG 2025: "Just Flawless" - Sourav Ganguly Lauds Shubman Gill's Knock At Edgbaston
Jadeja Responds to Ben Stokes' Accusation
Meanwhile, Jadeja also touched on the on-field drama with Ben Stokes, who accused him of deliberately damaging the surface while batting. The incident caused some tension during play, but Jadeja later clarified it during the press meet:
“He feels I was making it rough. But why me? I won’t even bowl there,” Jadeja responded. “He kept telling the umpire, but it wasn’t my intention.
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Finally, though he missed a well-deserved century by 11 runs, Jadeja expressed satisfaction with his performance:
“When the team is in trouble abroad and you contribute in that situation, it feels great. It gives you confidence as a cricketer,” he concluded.
Stay tuned for more updates on the England vs India Day 2 of 2nd Test.
