Ravindra Jadeja made his return to competitive cricket after six months as he led Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy 2023 encounter against Tamil Nadu. Jadeja bowled as many as 17 overs on Day 1 of the clash but could not get a wicket at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on January 24.
Tamil Nadu batters had a defensive approach against Saurashtra bowlers as they posted 183/4 in 90 overs. No Tamil Nadu batter who scored in double digits had a strike rate over 50. Opener Sai Sudharsan and Baba Aparajith registered scores of 45 each before getting dismissed.
Tamil Nadu skipper Pradosh Paul faced as many as 119 deliveries to score his 19 runs at a strike rate of 15.97. Baba Indrajith remained unbeaten for 45 with in-form Vijay Shankar on the other end.
The 34-year-old is leading Saurashtra in the absence of Jaydev Unadkat and Cheteshwar Pujara.
Last year, Jadeja came back home midway through Asia Cup for knee surgery. He ended up missing the T20 World Cup 2022 and several bilateral series at home.
The all-rounder has been named in the 17-member Test squad for the first two Tests of Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, his participation is subject to fitness.
"I am feeling good to be back on the field. Very excited. Hopefully it will come good as a team and as an individual also," the all-rounder had told reporters on January 23.
"...See my first priority is to get on the field and be fit...100 per cent fit. Once I am 100 per cent fit, I will work more on my skills, whether it is batting or bowling. Now, my first priority is fitness..."
Jadeja was also asked whether he is feeling any discomfort in his knee after surgery to which he replied, "Not really...after five months I am playing competitive cricket, so you don't feel confident initially.
"But as you progress, then definitely you get better and better. Injury is part of any sport. If you get injured, you have to start from scratch. The same thing in cricket.
“I was out of action for 5 months. I have to build my fitness. Once I get the confidence, I will definitely work on my skills and I will get better day by day.”
