Indian allrounder Ravindra Jadeja made a comeback to the Test squad as the selectors didn't have a second thought about his selection against South Africa after he made some brilliant performances in the Ranji Trophy.
He claimed 24 wickets in two matches and scored 91 runs in the first game and 58 runs in the second. It's been 14 months since he last played a Test for India that was against England in Manchester in August 2014. Making his comeback to the team, Jadeja said that he has strengthened his skills and is ready to prove himself once again.
"I believe that if I strengthen my natural game, develop my skills further, it would help me," Jadeja told BCCI.TV.
"While batting sometimes I would be in double-minds as to which shot I have to pick; whether I should hit or not hit. So that is what I was thinking about when I was playing in the Ranji Trophy... that I should have a simple plan. Whatever shot I want to play I should be able to do it single-mindedly. When I make a decision and bat I have to commit 100 per cent and play the shot." He added.
Jadeja also described how he switched off from cricket for sometime when he was out of form and then brought his focus back to cricket.
"Couple of months before the start of the season, after I played my last ODI in Bangladesh, I stayed away from cricket. I didn’t go anywhere near a ground or bat or ball, or (do) anything related to cricket."
"I had decided that I have to start the Ranji season afresh. I had decided to switch my mind off cricket and so got involved in other activities. I spent time at my farm house with my horses and spent time with my friends," Jadeja said.
In last 22 months, Jadeja has had a tough time in Tests; in the six matches he has played since 1 January, 2014, he has averaged 56.41 at a strike rate of 122.5 and averaged 25.90 with the bat in Tests. He eventually lost his place in the ODIs too after mediocre performance.
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