India's star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been out of action since September last year. A knee injury ruled him put of the Asia Cup and then the T20 World Cup as well. He then worked on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, and is now all slated to make a return to the sport.
Jadeja was expected to named in the in the 17-member squad for the first two Tests against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series, but BCCI statement revealed that his inclusion being "subject to fitness". And to prove his fitness, Jadeja is slated to join the Saurashtra side for their final Ranji Trophy league game against Tamil Nadu at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, as revealed by Saurashtra coach Niraj Odedra in an interview with Sportstar.
"In fact, I had sent Jaddu a WhatsApp text saying that the boys are really excited to have him back. He immediately wrote back saying he is looking forward to catching up with the team. It's been a while since he played Ranji Trophy for Saurashtra. A player of that calibre joining the team is a huge morale boost as well. His training and workload will be as per the National Cricket Academy (NCA) protocols," Odedra said.
{{/usCountry}}"In fact, I had sent Jaddu a WhatsApp text saying that the boys are really excited to have him back. He immediately wrote back saying he is looking forward to catching up with the team. It's been a while since he played Ranji Trophy for Saurashtra. A player of that calibre joining the team is a huge morale boost as well. His training and workload will be as per the National Cricket Academy (NCA) protocols," Odedra said.
{{/usCountry}}Jadeja will be back to captain Saurashtra - ahead of Jaydev Unadkat how has been rested ahead of the Australia Tests starting February 9 - in his first Ranji Trophy appearance since November 2018. Saurashtra presently stands at the top of the Elite Group B table with 26 points, although they will head into the Tamil Nadu game on the back of a 150-run loss to Andhra in Rajkot.
Jadeja's two-word 'Vanakkam Chennai' tweet broke the internet on Sunday, exciting Chennai Super Kings fans ahead of the IPL. But before Jadeja returns to enthrall the public at the Chepauk, his first stop will be a domestic contest, which will determine the extent of his recovery before he is flown back into India's or CSK squads.
BCCI selectors will have their eyes fixed on Jadeja through the course of the Ranji Trophy match which begins from January 24. With Rishabh Pant recovering from the car accident, India will be needing Jadeja, a left-handed batter, in the line-up, and his left-arm spin, coupled with electric fielding are traits any team would want in its players.