Jadeja: Series loss won't derail India’s next Test in Sri Lanka
Jadeja: Series loss won't derail India’s next Test in Sri Lanka
Jadeja says a likely series loss to South Africa won’t derail India’s next Test in Sri Lanka; drawing the second Test would feel like a win for the young side.
Ravindra Jadeja, India’s allrounder, said the team is unlikely to be derailed by a probable series defeat to South Africa as they prepare for the next assignment in Sri Lanka scheduled for next August. He insisted that even a draw in the second Test would feel like a win for the young Indian unit, underscoring that this period is a learning phase for several players.
He cited the looming target of 549 to chase on the final day as a tough test, with Jadeja himself contributing seven wickets so far. The current India XI features a blend of established players and newcomers, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel, and Washington Sundar, all of whom are early in their Test careers.
Jadeja emphasized that the youngsters are in a learning phase, and international cricket invariably brings challenges regardless of format. He noted that when India plays with three to four youngsters at home, the scrutiny intensifies, but the same victory at home is not given the same emphasis. He warned that losing a home series would be a big deal, even as the team looks to salvage pride in the ongoing match.
The setting is Guwahati, at the Barsapara Stadium, where the ball has begun turning and the Indian bowlers are feeling the pressure. Jadeja, turning 37 soon, framed the challenge for a young group as part of the broader education of international cricket, arguing that the long-term benefits of experience matter more than a single result.
Cover image source: IND vs SA second Test: South Africa extends lead to 395 despite losing openers 🔗
