Ranji Trophy 2022-23: Ravindra Jadeja announces his comeback with a 7-wicket haul vs Tamil Nadu

Star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja on Thursday picked up seven wickets for Saurashtra in Tamil Nadu’s second innings to show he was back to full fitness ahead of the all important Test series against Australia.

The left-arm spinner was in his element as he ran through the TN batting lineup to lead Saurashtra’s fightback after conceding a huge first innings lead in the Ranji Trophy tie.

Jadeja claims his first fifer of Ranji Trophy 2022-2023

The visiting team was dismissed for 192 in response to TN’s first innings score of 324, conceding a lead of 132 runs. However, Jadeja’s heroics helped Saurashtra bundle out the home team for 133 in just 36.1 overs in the second innings.

The road was not always plain for the home team as from 101 for 3, Saurashtra were bowled out for 192 in 79.4 overs with Chirag Jani (49) being the top-scorer. Nonetheless, in the second innings, Tamil Nadu came up against an inspired Ravindra Jadeja as the crafty spinner made great use of the conditions with the ball staying low to wreak havoc. Along with fellow spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja (3/64), the Saurashtra skipper kept TN batters on the tenterhooks.

“First Cherry Of The Season…”: Ravindra Jadeja’s Tweet After Picking 7 Wickets

Jadeja has been missing from action since September 2022, after he picked up a knee injury during the Asia Cup. Following which, he underwent a knee surgery and went to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for rehabilitation. After taking the seven-wicket haul, Jadeja tweeted a special post with the caption: “First cherry of the season. #redcherry”

Ready for Australia series, says Ravindra Jadeja

“Yes, yes, yes…,” the left-handed all-rounder said in response to a question if he was ready for touring side led by Pat Cummins after the third day’s play of the Ranji Trophy fixture at the MA Chidambaram stadium here.

34-year-old Ravindra Jadeja said it was good to pick up a five-wicket haul and that he was “feeling very good” playing after such a long time.

“Feeling very good, playing a game after a long time. Hopefully I am good to go now. It was tough on the first day but as the game progressed, I was feeling good.”

Asked about bowling 12 overs at a stretch in the second spell, he said, “I (am) used to bowling long spells. Nothing new for me. I was enjoying…ball was turning…” He further said,

“The pitch was assisting me. When we were batting, the odd ball was spinning, the odd ball was keeping low, so I was keen to bowl a long spell. Luckily I got wickets.”

To a question if he felt he was there in terms of fitness, Jadeja said, “Yes, I am almost there…it is just a matter of little bit of confidence. Luckily I bowled enough overs in the match, like almost 37 overs in the game (41 — 24 in the first innings and 17.1 in the second).” Asked if he felt any discomfort, Jadeja said, “no discomfort… not really.” “When you get seven wickets, obviously you feel confident. When you take a five-for in a first-class game it is always good,” he added. (Quoted from PTI)

Hence, with the Test series against Australia looming, Jadeja’s impressive comeback from injury would be a welcome sign for the team management.

Also read: BCCI confirms BGT 2023 will be last edition with 4-test format; next edition will have 5 tests

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