Ranji Trophy 2022-23: Coach Niraj Odedra opens up on Ravindra Jadeja’s return to Saurashtra

Ahead of their Ranji Trophy clash against Tamil Nadu, Saurashtra head coach Niraj Odedra shared that the team is very excited since star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's return to the team. Notably, The India all-rounder will be leading the side in the match as senior players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Jaydev Unadkat have been rested for the same. 

Odedra stated that the 34-year-old is pumped to return to action. He also revealed that Jadeja practiced for an hour in the nets and later gave a pep talk to the boys ahead of the clash.

“With JD (Unadkat) being rested for the game, we asked him (Jadeja) if he could captain the side and he happily agreed. He takes great pride in playing for Saurashtra and he wants everyone in the team to feel the same way. He also told the team that there is no senior or junior in the side and everyone is equally important. He is a big player and we all are excited to have him back,” Odedra said.

“He is very pumped up and it showed in the nets today. He wanted to have an even longer session but since he is coming from injury, it is important that he doesn't overdo it. Before spending an hour in the nets, he gave a pep talk to the boys,” he added.

As per reports, Jadeja wanted to have a longer session in the nets but the team management didn’t allow that as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is just around the corner and Jadeja is a part of the India squad. Post the practice session, the cricketer congratulated his teammates for winning the Vijay Hazare trophy.

“Since he has reunited with the team after a long time, he was very keen to interact with the boys and congratulate on our recent success in white-ball cricket (Vijay Hazare triumph),” Odedra further added.

Notably, Jadeja has been given a rest from India’s ongoing white-ball series against New Zealand. He will be joining the national squad when India start their practice for the four-match Test series against Australia.

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