Jadeja on Hetmyer’s review: “We were not sure about where the ball pitched”

Jadeja on Hetmyer’s review: The Indian all-rounder talked about what caused initial doubts regarding reviewing Hetmyer’s dismissal.

During the fifth ODI of the ongoing Windies’ tour of India at Thiruvananthapuram, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja played a vital part in India dismissing the opposition for 104 in 31.5 overs.

Jadeja, who was introduced into the attack as the second-change bowler in the 10th over, ended up registering bowling figures of 9.5-1-34-4, which aided him to win his 11th ‘Man of the Match’ award in ODIs.

Jadeja’s dismissals comprised of Marlon Samuels (24), Shimron Hetmyer (9), Kemar Roach (5) and Oshane Thomas (0). Dismissing dangerously-looking Samuels and in-form Hetmyer was key behind India gaining advantage on the given day.

One of the highlights of Jadeja’s spell was the wicket of Hetmyer, perhaps the first time in Indian cricket that the captain went against Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s instinct during reviewing a dismissal.

On the penultimate delivery of the 16th over, Jadeja had pinned the Windies’ southpaw in front of the wickets. Citing uncertainty regarding the ball pitching in the line of the stumps or not, Dhoni and Kohli left it to Jadeja, who was desperate to take the review. With the decision going in India’s favour, one realised the reason behind Jadeja’s desperation in the hindsight.

On being asked about the same during the post-match presentation ceremony, Jadeja was quoted as saying to Sanjay Manjrekar, “In that case, the ball didn’t spin much, it went straight. I bowled with cross seam. We were not sure about where the ball pitched. That was the doubt.”

Since his comeback into the limited-overs squad in Asia Cup in September, Jadeja has picked 14 wickets in eight matches at an average of 24.57, an economy rate of 4.59 and a strike rate of 32. Given his all-round abilities, he is making a strong case for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Jadeja also said that he is enjoying his game at the moment and tries to give his best for the team. “I’m enjoying my game at the moment. Whenever I come on the field, I just try to give my best. Whatever opportunity I get, I’ll try to take it with both hands,” he added.

Read some of the recent Twitter reactions on Jadeja below: