(Mona Parthasarathy)
Kolkata, November 5 (Language) Euphoric with the one-sided win in all the eight matches so far in the World Cup group stage, Indian team’s all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said on Sunday that such a performance before the knockout stage will help the opposition teams against India. Will be under pressure.
After defeating Sri Lanka by 302 runs in the previous match, India continued its unbeaten run by defeating South Africa by 243 runs at the Eden Gardens. In the last league match, India has to play Netherlands on 12th November and there is a possibility of clashing with South Africa again in the final.
In response to India’s 326 runs for five wickets, South Africa’s team was 27. Was out for 83 runs in 1 over.
Jadeja said in the press conference after the match, “It is a good thing that we have won all the matches unilaterally because it already creates pressure on the opposing team.” This automatically deteriorates his performance. This is very good before the knockout because this will keep the opposing team under psychological pressure.
Jadeja, who took five wickets against South Africa, said that the team aims to maintain this momentum till the end of the tournament.
He said, “We make strategies match by match.” The knockout stage is important but the team is playing well as a unit in every department and we will try to continue this momentum in the semi-finals and final.
Jadeja gave the credit for scoring beyond 300 on this pitch to century-scoring Virat Kohli and the middle-order batsmen.
He said, “At the time of South Africa’s bowling, there was more turn in the wicket but later it became easier for batting.” Credit goes to Virat and the middle order that they batted well on a slow and low-bounce wicket. Well, we were mentally prepared for it because we knew about the Eden pitch.
Praising the three fast bowlers, Jadeja said, “In any format, if the fast bowlers take wickets at the top, it becomes a little easier for the spinners. He can take his time and show variations.” It is good that our fast bowlers are performing well.
When asked whether the team was playing with extra motivation because of Kohli’s birthday, he said, “Every day is a birthday when we play wearing the Indian jersey because very few people get a chance to wear this jersey.” What could be better than seeing someone making the team win on the birthday?
Regarding Kohli’s record of equaling Sachin Tendulkar’s 49 ODI centuries, he said in a humorous tone, “Whatever it is, 49 or 50, ghee is falling on the plate. It is good. If the World Cup is being held in India, then the record.” It is good for us to keep building. Don’t look away.
He said, “It would be a special century for Virat because even a score of 260 would have been fine on this wicket.” At such a time, rotating the strike, scoring boundaries and remaining unbeaten was a huge achievement.
Regarding his performance, he said, “I have been contributing with batting and bowling in the last three-four matches. Contributing in important matches has increased my confidence for the upcoming matches.” The role of an all-rounder is to play 30 in difficult situations. Scored 40 runs and broke the bowling partnership. I try to perform effectively as per the need of the team. I never take fielding lightly.
Regarding the decision to bat after winning the toss, Jadeja said, “We were thinking of challenging ourselves. There was a lot of turn during the first batting. We wanted to face the challenge of bowling with dew later so that we can be prepared in case such conditions arise in the knockouts.
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Mona Sudhir
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