‘At Least We Can…’: Jadeja Explains India’s ‘Win-Win Situation’ As 2-0 Series Defeat Looms Large | Cricket News

Ravindra Jadeja addressing the press conference

Team India is on the verge of another disappointment. They need 522 runs with 8 wickets remaining to prevent South Africa from achieving a historic feat. The only hope lies in the fading light, as no more than 80 overs have been possible on any of the first four days due to early sunsets in the region. This reliance on nature reflects India’s bleak position.

Temba Bavuma and his team have dominated India throughout the two Tests. South Africa’s performance has been impressive, and their bowlers are expected to continue their dominance on the final day of the Guwahati Test.

Meanwhile, the Indian Test team is facing heavy criticism, with coach Gautam Gambhir under intense scrutiny. If India fails to chase 549 on Wednesday, it will mark their 5th home Test defeat in 9 games and South Africa’s first series win in 25 years. Furthermore, it will be India’s second consecutive series defeat against a SENA nation.

Amid the criticism, senior player Ravindra Jadeja has shown support for the youngsters. Addressing the media after the fourth day’s play, Jadeja mentioned that although a series defeat to South Africa is humbling, it will serve as a valuable learning experience for the younger players.

“Look, the youngsters in the team are in a learning phase. Their careers are starting. So, in international cricket, no matter what format you play, it’s not easy. It’s always a bit challenging,” Jadeja said.

Jadeja noted that when a team loses at home, the inexperience of the youngsters is highlighted more than when they win, which is often taken for granted.

“So, in India, when a situation like this happens, and you play 3-4 youngsters in the team, it feels like the whole team is young and inexperienced. And that gets highlighted. But when India wins at home, people think that it’s not a big deal. But, if you lose a series in India, it becomes a very big deal.”

“For a youngster, it’s a learning phase. If they handle this situation well, they will mature as players. And India’s future will be better,” he added.

The wounds of the 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand are still fresh, and South Africa is close to inflicting another blow. However, Jadeja stated that the impending series defeat to South Africa would not affect India’s next Test assignment in Sri Lanka in August 2026. He emphasized that forcing a draw in the second Test would be akin to a ‘win-win’ situation.

“I don’t think it will affect the next series. But, as a cricketer, nobody wants to lose the series, especially in India. So, hopefully, we will try to put our best foot forward tomorrow,” Jadeja said.

“Hopefully, we will try and save the Test match. So that, at least, I know even if we aren’t winning the series, at least, we can draw the match, which is going to be a win-win situation for us.”

Jadeja urged the batters to forget the past four days and focus solely on the final day.

“For us, tomorrow will be very important as a batting unit that we keep ourselves in a positive frame of mind and try to play the whole day,” he concluded.

(With PTI Inputs)