Here's what Ravindra Jadeja said post World Cup warm-up loss
Team India are off to a shaky start in their World Cup 2019 campaign as they suffered a six-wicket defeat to New Zealand in their opening warm-up tie at The Oval on Saturday. Following the match, fans were obviously disappointed owing to a dismal start. However, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja asserted that there is no reason to panic. Here is more.
India test themselves under tough conditions as they lose warm-up
Electing to bat first, India wanted to test themselves in the seaming conditions. The decision turned out to be a tough one as they were bundled for a total of 179, with Jadeja scoring 54, while Trent Boult's lethal spell of 4/33 destroyed them. In reply, four Indian bowlers picked up a wicket each, but could not snatch a win.
Jeadeja reveals India elected to bat on purpose
"We wanted to test ourselves in tough conditions, to perform there. Because if we go and bat on such a green pitch, it will become easier for the batsmen when they get flat tracks to bat on," Jadeja said post warm-up defeat to New Zealand.
Jadeja rues batting on softer wickets made it difficult
Jadeja was quick to say that the wicket was soft during the initial 15-20, making it difficult for the batsmen. However, he asserted that this was just one game and there is nothing to panic. He also promised that the team would work on their batting. "Hopefully, during the (world cup) matches, we get a different wicket, better wicket to bat on," he added.
Jadeja explained batting with patience made it work
Jadeja came to bat when India were struggling at 77/5. However, he said that since he had a lot of time to settle down, he decided to play slowly. He revealed that as the hour passed, the pitch became easier to bat on, therefore allowing him to play strokes later. Jadeja ended as India's top scorer, as he hit a half-century (54).
Jadeja claims to have worked on his batting during IPL
"Whenever I get time in the nets, I work on my basic technique and shot selection. I won't take any extra pressure due to the world cup. Will try to keep my thinking process simple," Jadeja further said on his batting.
India should not experiment too much just because it's warm-up
While India can do experiments in the warm-ups, the author feels that they should be careful, as over-experimenting could hamper their confidence. We also feel that they should try to stick to their regular gameplay and look to settle in before their main round matches, starting June 5. With the next warm-up being against Bangladesh on Tuesday, India can look to sticking to basics.
