India pacer Mohammed Siraj has backed struggling veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to quickly find his rhythm, saying it could take just one wicket for the left-arm spinner to return to his best in the third ODI against New Zealand.
Ravindra Jadeja's lean patch
Jadeja has struggled with both bat and ball in recent matches. His last ODI half-century at home came back in December 2020, and his last century in India was in 2013. With the ball, he has picked up just one wicket in his last five ODIs. In the ongoing series against New Zealand, Jadeja went wicketless in the first two games, conceding 44 and 56 runs, while scoring 4 and 27 with the bat. In the previous series against South Africa at home, he managed only one wicket in three matches.
"I don't think there is any concern about Jadeja’s form. It is a matter of just one wicket. Once you get that breakthrough, you will see a different bowler altogether." said Siraj in pre match conference.
Jadeja's ODI record
Despite recent struggles, Jadeja’s overall ODI record remains strong, with nearly 2,900 runs at an average of just over 32 and 232 wickets across 209 matches.
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Siraj on India's bowling unit
Siraj also expressed confidence in India’s bowling unit, even after the second ODI, where missed chances allowed New Zealand to level the three-match series.
"We played very well in both matches. In the first ODI, our bowling and batting were very good. In the second match, even after losing early wickets, KL Rahul batted well and Nitish Reddy also contributed," he said.
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India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI
The third ODI between India and New Zealand will take place on January 18 at Holkar Stadium in Indore. With the series currently tied 1-1, both teams look to clinch the series.