Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja recently discussed a wide range of topics in an exclusive interaction with Sports Tak, including India's performance in the 2023 World Cup final, Ishan Kishan's role in the team, Rahul Dravid's coaching tenure, and the Indian players' comfort in the IPL. Jadeja expressed optimism about India's future, suggesting that the team will become a formidable force that will be hard to defeat. He also advocated for a longer coaching contract for Rahul Dravid.
Jadeja, who has led the Indian cricket team in the past, praised Kishan's cricketing prowess but expressed his concern that the wicketkeeper-batter is not getting consistent opportunities in the playing eleven.
“I like the way Ishan Kishan plays. You gave him three matches (in the five-match series). After those three matches, he got so tired that he went back home. He was not even a regular in the World Cup side. He got just two matches. It is not like that he did not deserve to play those games,” Jadeja said.
“How many players are there in the team who have scored a double century in ODIs? He can change the game on his day. When will he get ready? Will you keep him in on trial all the time? In the last two years, how many games has he played? This problem of Indian cricket is not of today, it is very old that we don’t select (players) but reject them.”
Kishan has played 27 ODIs so far and has scored 933 runs at an average of 42.40 including one century and seven half-centuries. His strike rate is an impressive 102.19.
Reflecting on India's loss in the World Cup 2023 final, Jadeja highlighted the difference in strategies between India and Australia. He noted that India had a fixed strategy, with specific roles assigned to key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav.
In contrast, Australia adapted their game plan based on the match situation, often sending Glenn Maxwell to bat at number three when needed. The 52-year-old believes that this flexibility in approach contributed to Australia's success and better preparation.
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