Ravindra Jadeja opens up about Hardik Pandya’s run-out in the Champions Trophy

The one thing that stuck with people after the Champions trophy final was Hardik Pandya’s unfortunate run-out. India were tottering, as Mohammad Amir and co. had ripped apart the top order, but Hardik Pandya’s gutsy innings was threatening to take the game away from Pakistan.

Pandya’s towering sixes and had given the Indian contingent a small plank to float on, but a terrible mix-up between Jaddu and Pandya meant that Pandya had to depart, crushing India’s hopes of winning the Champions Trophy.

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The Indian tail folded in a matter of minutes after Pandya’s dismissal, and Jaddu received a lot of slack for India’s defeat.

Jaddu dabbed a ball to the point and took off for a single, Pandya responded quickly but Jaddu quickly turned his back, seeing that the fielder was quick to reach the ball. Spectators felt that Jaddu could have sacrificed his wicket, instead he ‘rushed’ to the crease, leaving Pandya stranded in the middle.

Pandya expressed his anger after getting dismissed, smacking the boundary rope on his way back. But he has come out and said that the anger lasted for just about 3 minutes, as such things happen in cricket.

And now, Jaddu has come forward to speak about the same incident, and feels that the critics need to cut him some slack.

“True followers of cricket, ones who understand the game, know that such things are a part of cricket,” Jadeja said.

“It happens in the game. No one does it intentionally. Everyone wants to play for the country, everyone has their own dreams. Run-outs happen hundreds of times. I don’t think about it too much. Critics can say what they want. They change their views after every series. I don’t play for them,” he added.

Jadeja also spoke about how Zak could help the Indian bowlers and make them a fearful attack even in overseas conditions.

“Zaheer has a lot of experience. Our fast bowlers will definitely benefit from his presence, especially overseas, where he has so much experience,” Jadeja told PTI reporters

“The good thing is that whatever new experience is added to the team, it is good for us. Hopefully, whoever new comes in the team, they will share their experiences and we will get to learn from them.”

“Cricket is such a sport that you get to learn something from someone every day. I will also try to learn from their experiences by talking to them,” he added.

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Utkarsh Bhatla