Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has asserted that the potential Test series defeat against South Africa will not have a bearing on the team's next major assignment in Sri Lanka scheduled for August next year. With India staring down a mammoth target of 549 runs on the final day of the second Test in Delhi, Jadeja emphasized that salvaging a draw would feel like a victory for the developing side.
Focus on the Final Day and Future Tours
Addressing the media after the fourth day's play, Jadeja, who has claimed seven wickets in the match, remained pragmatic about the outcome. "I don't think it will affect the next series," he stated. However, he acknowledged the disappointment of a potential home loss, adding, "As a cricketer, nobody wants to lose the series, especially in India. So, hopefully, we will try our best cricket. We will try to put our best foot forward tomorrow."
His immediate goal is clear: bat through the final day. "Hopefully, we will try and save the Test match. So that, at least, I know even if we aren't winning the series, at least we are able to draw the match, which is going to be a win-win situation for us," Jadeja explained.
Young Squad in a Learning Phase
Jadeja, who is nearing 37, framed the difficult situation as a crucial learning experience for the several newcomers in the team. The current playing XI features youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel, and Washington Sundar.
"Look, the youngsters in the team, I think, they are in a learning phase. Their careers are starting," Jadeja said. "So, in international cricket, no matter what format you play, it's not easy. It's always a bit challenging." He pointed out a perceived bias in how such situations are viewed, noting that a loss with a young team attracts disproportionate attention compared to a routine home victory.
"If they handle this situation well, they will mature as players. And, India's future will be better," the seasoned all-rounder concluded, highlighting the long-term benefit of this adversity.
Analysis of Pitch Conditions and Match Situation
Jadeja also provided his perspective on the game's dynamics, suggesting that India ended up with the tougher end of the pitch conditions. "When we were bowling for the first two days, there were no marks on the wicket. The wicket was shining like a mirror," he recalled. "And, when they (South Africa) came to bowl, because of the wicket taken by the fast bowler, the spinners came into play more. And, their ball was turning and bouncing."
He admitted that after conceding a massive 288-run first-innings lead, the South African batters were freed from pressure, allowing them to play aggressively and set a huge target. Jadeja suggested the result could have been very different had the roles been reversed.
Looking ahead to the final day's battle, Jadeja's message to the batting unit was simple: forget the past and focus. "For us, tomorrow will be very important as a batting unit that we keep ourselves in a positive frame of mind and try to play the whole day," he said, setting the stage for a determined Indian resistance.
