MS Dhoni told me to bat like a proper batsman: Ravindra Jadeja

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been out of the limited overs cricket after wrist-spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have grabbed the opportunity with both the hands. Jadeja’s partner in crime in Tests, Ravichandran Ashwin too has been ignored for the one-dayers and T20 games for the national side.

Both of them are working hard in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to get back into the side. Jadeja hit a match-winning century, his 2nd in List A cricket against Jharkhand during a run chase. Jadeja was struggling with side-strain throughout the game. He bowled only 2 overs in the match but returned to bat and made sure his team crossed the line as he anchored the run chase.

Jadeja was speaking to Indian Express after his century and told that how he was concentrating on his batting more than his bowling. He said that he was happy the way he was bowling regardless of wicket-less bowling figures in his 4 outings for Saurashtra in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Conversation with MS Dhoni

Jadeja said that he had a conversation with MS Dhoni where Dhoni told Jadeja that in the IPL, he will get more opportunities to bat. Dhoni also told Jadeja that he has the ability to bat like a proper batsman and should think like a batsman instead of just a flash in the pan type batter. Jadeja along with Dhoni and Raina was retained by Chennai Super Kings who returned to IPL after their 2-year suspension.

According to Jadeja, the conversation with Dhoni has encouraged him a lot. He said that he was working on his batting aspect more and was looking to take the role of an anchor as a batsman than just hitting 20-odd runs.

“I am quite happy with the way I am bowling. In fact, I am focusing more on my batting now. I do not want to be a player who is known for hitting those 20-odd runs. I want to play the anchor role, just like I did today,” he said.

“Mahi bhai told me that I will get batting opportunities in the IPL this year. He said that I have the ability of a proper batsman, and I am not the flash in the pan type of batsman. And I should think like that. It was really encouraging for me. So, I am concentrating more on the batting aspect of my game and trying to get used to playing the anchor role,” Jaddu further mentioned.

While Ashwin was working on his leg-breaks, Jadeja is working on his batting abilities, It would be interesting to see If the two can get into the selector’s eyes with their performances.