I am sure his critics will keep quiet for a while now: Ravindra Jadeja's sister

Ravindra Jadeja was the man of the moment at the MA Chidambaram Stadium as he grabbed career-best figures of 7/48 to help India register a comprehensive victory by an innings and 75-run victory to win the Anthony D Mello Trophy against England with a 4-0 margin. Jadeja single-handedly turned the game on its feet as he triggered a collapse in the English side after the morning session.

Speaking to CricketNext, Jadeja’s sister Naina was elated at her brother’s performance but said that it was high time he got the rewards for his hard work. She made it clear that it was high time that Jadeja turned his consistent show into a match-winning performance.

“He has been bowling well for a while now, but then, cricket is all about the performances. So, it was a time that he also picked the wickets,” Naina said.

“There are critics who need an opportunity to question his game and I am very happy that his bowling today helped India seal the win. I am sure they will keep quiet for a while now,” she laughed.

With the English openers frustrating the Indian bowlers in the opening session, a draw looked like the most likely possibility. But Naina never lost faith in her brother’s ability to turn the game on its head.

“Whenever we speak, I keep telling him to remain patient. He doesn’t believe in being patient and as a result he fails to accomplish goals. But whenever I get an opportunity, I try and instil in him the importance of being patient. Even today, the wicket wasn’t doing much and it was important that he kept trying and he did. The end result was there for all to see,” she said.

Prodded further, Naina said that this was the best she had seen him bowl in a while (after the series against New Zealand). This after Jadeja picked 26 wickets in the 5-match series.

“I am a hard taskmaster and he is my younger brother. So, I have every right to criticise him. I don’t think he was bowling as well as he can, when he is at the top of his game. If I am being happy and praising his performance today, I also need to be honest and criticise him when he isn’t doing well. But yes, sometimes I am a little too strict and he jokes that I shouldn’t act like his coach,” she revealed.

Coming to coaches, Jadeja doesn’t have a personal coach.

“Rewari (as she fondly calls Jadeja) doesn’t have a personal coach. He goes to the academy in Jamnagar and trains with the kids there whenever he wants to work on his game. While they have a good time playing alongside him, he also gets quality practice,” she said.