'My first priority is to be 100 percent fit' - Ravindra Jadeja hopes to regain match fitness with Ranji Trophy game against Tamil Nadu

The star Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is all set to make a return to cricket when Saurashtra takes on Tamil Nadu in a Ranji Trophy game in Chennai. The veteran cricketer is participating in the match with hopes of regaining touch and fitness for the all-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia next month. 

Ravindra Jadeja injured his knee in August last year and underwent surgery in September, ruling him out for the rest of the year, including the T20 World Cup in Australia. He was named in India's 17-member squad for the opening two matches of the impending Test series against Australia, however his inclusion in the squad for subject to fitness.

The mercurial allrounder has been an invaluable asset to the Indian team, especially in Tests, and is eager to take the field in a Ranji Trophy game before squaring off against the Aussies. He admitted being low on confidence since he has been watching things unfold from the sidelines for the past five months. 

"I am back on the field, I am very excited, and I am looking forward to the game. My first priority is to get on the field, to be 100 percent fit. That's my priority. Once I am 100 percent fit, then I will work more on my skills, whether it's batting or bowling. I was at NCA for like 20 days. I was doing my batting and bowling. But the match scenario is different. 

"I wanted a game before the Australia series, that's why I am here. Hopefully, I will be fully recovered. Not really (no discomfort). After 5 months of not playing competitive cricket, you don't feel confident, initially. But as you progress, you will definitely get better and better," Jadeja told reporters after his training session in Chennai.

I am going to try and give my 100 percent: Jadeja

The returning Indian cricketer will lead Saurashtra against Tamil Nadu, in the absence of influential skipper Jaydev Unadkat, commencing on Tuesday. A trainer from the NCA is monitoring his progress, while the 34 year old vows to give his 100 percent for the upcoming series.

"I am almost ready. I was doing my batting and bowling at the NCA. A match is a different ball game. I am going to try and give my 100 percent. Let us see how my leg is pulling. I will try and go slowly, slowly (on being asked will you bowl your full quota?)," Jadeja replied.

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