India veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said the looming series defeat to South Africa will have no bearing on India’s next Test assignment in Sri Lanka, which will take place next year in August, stressing that forcing a draw in the second Test would be akin to a "win" for the young side.
Ravindra Jadeja for India's series win
India are all set to lose the two-Test series against South Africa as it would be impossible to chase down a target of 549 on the final day.
"I don't think it will affect the next series. But, as a cricketer, nobody wants to lose the series, especially in India. So, hopefully, we will try our best cricket. We will try to put our best foot forward tomorrow," Jadeja, who has a match-haul of seven wickets, told reporters at the end of the day's play.
"Hopefully, we will try and save the Test match. So that, at least, I know even if we aren't winning the series at least, we are able to draw the match, which is going to be a win-win situation for us."
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Jadeja backs youngsters
Jadeja, who is the seniormost player in the Indian Test team featuring against South Africa, believes that while a series defeat to South Africa is humbling, it will serve as a valuable learning experience for the youngsters in the Indian squad.
Team India are in a transitional period with senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin; they are featuring with young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel, and Washington Sundar. They are all currently in the early stages of their respective Test careers.
"Look, the youngsters in the team, I think, they are in a learning phase. Their careers are starting. So, in international cricket, no matter what format you play, it's not easy. No matter what format you play, it's always a bit challenging."
But Jadeja pointed out that whenever a team loses at home, the inexperience of youngsters gets highlighted far more than when they win, which is often taken for granted.
"So, in India, when a situation like this happens, and you play 3-4 youngsters in the team, it feels like the whole team is young and inexperienced. And that gets highlighted.
"But, when India wins in home condition, people think that it's not a big deal. But, if you lose a series in India, it becomes a very big deal.
"For a youngster, it's a learning phase. If they handle this situation well, they will mature as players. And, India's future will be better."