India vs Windies: Ravindra Jadeja clears the tension after ruling over MS Dhoni in DRS

There are only a few apart from MS Dhoni when it comes to reading the situation of the game and calling for the decision review system. However, Ravindra Jadeja ruled over him on during the fifth ODI against the Windies. The incident took place when in the 16th over, the ball struck Shimron Hetmyer’s pads after which a vociferous appeal followed. In spite of MSD being jittery, Jadeja convinced captain Kohli to go for the review.

Jadeja bowled it flatter and around the middle-stump. Hetmyer was a touch late in putting his bat down with the ball taking a little bit of spin. The ball struck on the front pad. Dhoni and Jadeja both appealed, however, the umpire had turned it down.

Jadeja looked totally convinced, however, wicket-keeper Dhoni had the impression that the ball had pitched outside the leg stump. With the bowler convinced, Virat Kohli had signalled for a review. Replays rolled in multiple times as the Hawkeye confirmed that the ball was pitching in line and hitting the stumps. The onfield had to overturn his decision. Following this, everyone laughed as Dhoni seldom ends up on the opposite side of the DRS calls.

Jadeja explains

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Jadeja explained what the confusion was regarding the DRS call. “The ball didn’t spin much. It went straight. I bowled with a cross seam. We were not sure about where the ball had pitched. That was the doubt,” he said.

Ravindra Jadeja has been in impressive form in the coloured clothing after he was recalled to replace Hardik Pandya in the Asia Cup and went on to replicate his success in the series against the Windies. He repaid the selectors’ faith by taking 11 wickets, the most by any bowler in the series. “I’m enjoying my game at the moment and any opportunity I get, I will try and grab it with both the hands”

The all-rounder’s spot, however, isn’t guaranteed at present since Hardik Pandya’s return could pose a selection headache leading up to the 2019 World Cup. But Jadeja isn’t bothered about it since he is enjoying his gameplay and looking forward to cashing in on every opportunity that comes his way.

“I’m enjoying my game at the moment. Whenever I come on the field, I try to give my best. Whatever opportunity I get, I’ll try to take it with both hands,” the left-arm spinner added.

~ Written by Aayushman Vishwanathan