Rahul Dravid and Ravindra Jadeja
Dravid was famed for his ability to shut out distractions and focus intently on any given task at hand – his concentration skills could almost be described as yoga-like.
Ravindra Jadeja needs some motivation before India take on Bangladesh at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday and head coach Rahul Dravid is here to provide it.
Rahul Dravid and Ravindra Jadeja | Jadeja’s injury
Jadeja quickly established himself as one of the premier all-rounders in world cricket during his first decade as a Test player, becoming one of the team’s lone spinner on overseas tours (relegating Ravichandran Ashwin to the bench), and scoring consistently with both bat and ball for over 40 runs with each at bat and under 25 deliveries against each ball in 53 Test matches (average over 40 runs and 25 deliveries per match averaged respectively).Rahul Dravid and Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja has struggled in recent times to maintain consistent bowling form. In five Test matches played thus far this season, he has taken only six wickets while his batting average has also fallen below 30.Rahul Dravid and Ravindra Jadeja
Even after his lackluster performances, Jadeja remains an integral piece of India’s machine. He has both the experience and versatility needed to fill in for either KL Rahul or Virat Kohli while his knowledge of Rajkot’s pitch will certainly come in handy.
Jadeja has been training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru as he readies to return from injury and compete against Australia in February’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy match.
Paras Mhambrey of India Bowling Coach believes Jadeja has potential, and has done everything within his power to help the all-rounder find his groove. Recently he described him as the ‘team’s boy’ while applauding his efforts at keeping Jadeja motivated.Rahul Dravid and Ravindra Jadeja
Rahul Dravid and Ravindra Jadeja | Jadeja’s mindset
Spinners who wish to succeed must use both their minds and fingers when bowling spin. Jadeja excels at this because he doesn’t just throw balls; he always bowls intelligently to keep batsmen guessing and proves so effective on these turning tracks.Rahul Dravid and Ravindra Jadeja
At this World Cup, his bowling has gone unrecognized due to India’s pacers’ impressive ODI performances; but he is determined to rectify that and will do everything possible to ensure his contribution does not go underappreciated again.Rahul Dravid and Ravindra Jadeja
As for his batting, he remains optimistic and confident that his next Test century is just around the corner. Although there have been glimpses of success here and there in a few innings so far, consistency will be key.
Jadeja has seen Virat Kohli develop into an experienced player over time and it shows on the field. His passion to win games and create positive environments has had an influenceful influence on his teammates and created an ideal working environment – something which will benefit Jadeja long term.Rahul Dravid and Ravindra Jadeja
Rahul Dravid and Ravindra Jadeja | Jadeja’s confidence
Jadeja returned to India’s side for the final Test against Pakistan at Multan thanks to his brilliant bowling. He took six wickets during this match and helped propel them towards an emphatic 3-0 series victory against their arch-rivals.
Rohit Sharma lavished praise upon Jadeja for his performance as all-rounder, noting how his performance shows that the all-rounder has immense faith in himself and his abilities.Rahul Dravid and Ravindra Jadeja
Rahul Dravid of India coach was also full of praise for India spinner Sushant Spinner, calling his performance beautiful for the team and commending him on taking crucial wickets and rotating the strike effectively. Additionally, Dravid noted his ‘toughness’ as an asset to the squad as well as their bowling being an invaluable strength of their arsenal.
Some fans were critical of Dravid’s decision to declare Multan innings when Tendulkar had reached 194, yet it should be remembered that Dravid has always put team needs before individual achievements. In Sydney against Australia he declared early on Day Three even though India weren’t in position to win because he believes it is best for India’s chances in the fourth innings.
Rahul Dravid and Ravindra Jadeja | Jadeja’s attitude
Jadeja has long been India’s go-to man in white-ball cricket. His versatility — which includes powerful left-handed batting, pinpoint left-arm spinner and some of the finest fielding abilities in cricket — makes him an indispensable asset in white-ball matches. India will always count on Jadeja.
But the 35-year-old’s performances with both bat and ball in the T20 World Cup against Ireland and Pakistan have not met expectations, neither bowling any overs during Ireland’s eight-wicket win nor being dismissed without scoring during Pakistan’s victory over Ireland.
The all-rounder, known by his nickname ‘The Rockstar’, is known for his trademark sword celebration when scoring or reaching fifty. His unwavering dedication and attitude has provided a source of constant inspiration to the Indian team.
At one point in the series against England, Dravid noticed his concentration had diminished slightly. He was seen looking towards the scoreboard after his dismissal as though distracted from what was really at play; Dravid quickly intervened to encourage him to remain focused and maintain concentration on his task at hand.
