I can back myself as a longer-version player now, says Jadeja

Having taken 25 wickets and scored two half-centuries in the series against Australia, Jadeja felt that his shoulder has been on “auto-mode”. “It’s a good feeling that I am doing well in Test matches. I have done well in ODIs in the past but this year, I have done well in Test matches also. So there’s satisfaction now that I am suitable for both (longer and shorter) formats,” he said on Monday. 

“Your confidence increases inherently and now I can back myself as a longer version player. And this shoulder (pointing at it) is on auto-mode and everything is happening automatically.” 

Jadeja is happy that he has been able to perform under pressure in a Test match.”Yes, it was a tough situation in the morning, as there was seam and bounce in the wicket. There fast bowlers were bowling at 140 plus speed. I have seen these kind of situations in Test cricket but today I realized what exactly people mean when they talk about challenges of Test cricket.” 

He is in contention to win the Man of the Series award but for him, the praises earned from his teammates and former players is more valuable.

“It feels good that people say that I am one of the responsible players of this team. Someone, who can perform in any situation across all departments of the game,” he said. “If someone works hard, it is with an aim to become a valuable player. My biggest achievement more than any award, is contributing in a winning cause for my team.” 

Jadeja admitted that a lead of 32 runs was very crucial as it allowed the bowlers to attack the Aussie batsmen with a free mind. “Sometimes even a 32-run lead is big enough with uneven bounce and when the ball is swinging and deviating after hitting the cracks. And if you see they had three out within score of 30, so it was a crucial lead,” he said. “We were not afraid as we were not on the back foot. In this scenario, one can bowl with a free mind, not thinking about pressure. You can be bindaas (carefree).” 

Jadeja felt that Aussie pacers were bowling as good as the Indians but they weren’t as lucky as lot of balls flew past the edge.