Nagpur: India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is all set to make his comeback into the Indian side against Australia in upcoming Border-Gavaskar test series. The left-handed batter calls himself fortunate of getting the chance to don the India jersey again after being out of the cricket circuit for five long months, recovering from a career-threatening knee injury, which ruled him out of T20 World Cup last year.
Jajeda missed the spot in 2022 T20 World Cup squad, underwent a knee surgery and was in rehab for five months.
“I am very excited and happy that after almost more than five months, I get to wear the Indian jersey again. I have been blessed that I was given the opportunity again and the journey to reach here was full of up and downs. Because if you are not playing cricket for five months, it becomes very frustrating and obviously, I was eagerly waiting to get fit as soon as possible so that I can go play for India,” he told BCCI.Tv in an interview.
Jadeja admitted it was quite difficult for him to make a call whether to undergo surgery before or after the World Cup, but later went with doctor’s instruction.
“I had a problem with my knee and I had to get surgery sooner or later. But I had to take the decision whether I would have it before the World Cup or after. So, the doctor also advised me to do it before the World Cup because my chances of playing the World Cup were anyway pretty less. So I made up my mind and went for the surgery.”
Though the decision was tough for the all-rounder, he said the motivation of having the India jersey on again kept him going.
“The period after that (surgery) was pretty difficult because you have to continuously do rehab and training. You had thoughts in your head about your fitness When you saw the matches on TV, like I was watching the World Cup, I wished that I was there.
“These small things motivate you to speed up the recovery process,” he said about the post-surgery recovery period.
“The physios and trainers at the NCA worked a lot on my knee. Even when the NCA was closed on Sundays, they would come and specially treat me. The two months after the injury were especially tough because I couldn’t go anywhere, I couldn’t walk properly. That was a pretty critical time and there my family and friends stood by my side. The NCA trainers also boosted my confidence.”
Jadeja made a spectacular comeback last month representing Saurashtra in Ranji Trophy against Tamil Nadu.
“I felt a bit awkward because I hadn’t been out in the sun for five months. I was doing indoor training so when I went into the middle I was thinking if my body can sustain.”
“First day was very tough and we all know about Chennai’s heat. Then my body acclimatised to the situation and I felt good and fit,” he said.
The first of the four Tests against visiting Australia will begin in Nagpur February 9.
PTI