 "Ravindra Jadeja has appeared to be the only Indian batter comfortable against Simon Harmer. Image: AP")
Former India captain Anil Kumble has praised Ravindra Jadeja for the way the all-rounder has batted so far on the final day of the last Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati on Wednesday. Having lost the first Test, India are hoping to secure a draw in the second match.
After being handed a target of 549, India lost KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the final session on Day 4. Kuldeep Yadav, Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant fell in the first session on Day 5. Jadeja, who was on 23 not out from 40 balls at the time of the Tea break, has appeared to be the only Indian batter comfortable against Simon Harmer and other South African bowlers.
Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan fought hard to occupy the crease from the other end, making 14 not out from 139 before getting out to Senuran Muthusamy in his first over. India were 102/6 in the second session while publishing this report.
Kumble, Steyn praise Jadeja for staying positive
While reflecting on the first session of Day 5, Kumble said that
“Kuldeep and Jurel got out in the same over, Rishabh Pant also out. These are big wickets. India are lucky Sai Sudharsan could have been out, but it was a no-ball. Jadeja has shown how to bat on this pitch,” Kumble said.
“It’s still a tall ask. You still need to hang in there. Losing three wickets didn’t help their case.”
Former South African pacer Dale Steyn highlighted that Jadeja’s strategy to capitalise on the bad balls and not allow the bowler to settle has worked for the Indian all-rounder.
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View All“Wicket is still pretty good. Pretty flat. If you stay defensive, you are not able to cash in on a bad delivery and transfer the pressure back to the opposition. I liked the way Jadeja is batting. He is positive, and he is moving well. He is not looking to sit back.”