Ravindra Jadeja’s fine innings of 58 helped India reach a respectable 297 against West Indies in the first Test at Antigua on Sunday.
Despite losing Rishabh Pant early on Day 2, Jadeja stitched important partnerships with the tailenders as India managed to add valuable runs and take a commanding position in the Test match.
“When I was batting out there in the middle, I just looked to build a partnership. I was focussing to play with the tailenders. I was just worried about my game, I was trying to give my best out on the park,” Jadeja told after the close of play.
“I was constantly talking to Ishant, and we talked about staying out in the middle for as long as possible. We were thinking about one over at a time,” Jadeja said.
“I am just very positive in my mind, my shot selection is positive. When Rishabh got out, I was talking to Ishant about staying out in the middle and building a partnership. It is not good for opponents if the lower order is constantly scoring runs, so it was the gameplan from our side,” he added.
A lot of questions were raised when Jadeja was selected in the playing XI over off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and the left-hander said he was happy to repay the faith showed in him by the team management.
“Obviously you feel good when the skipper believes in you, thinks of you as the main player. Luckily, I have been able to repay the faith by performing well.”
