India’s recent 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand has served as a “wake-up call” for the team, according to former cricketer Ajay Jadeja. However, he remains confident in India’s ability to bounce back and secure a series win in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Speaking at the Sportstar Sports Conclave in Rajasthan, Jadeja emphasized the importance of such setbacks in the team’s development. “You need a wake-up call sometimes,” he said. “We won the (T20) World Cup this year, we’re the best team, with the best captain, but suddenly Rohit Sharma is criticized for not moving well. I feel for him.”
Despite the recent loss, Jadeja believes India has the experience and talent to overcome Australia in their own backyard. “We may not reach the World Test Championship final, but I believe we can secure the series win,” he said. “Our team has more experience from multiple tours Down Under, unlike earlier eras when players only visited every eight years.”
Jadeja also praised the impact of Rishabh Pant, who played a pivotal role in India’s 2020/21 series win in Australia. “He’s freakish and brilliant,” Jadeja said. However, he cautioned against stifling Pant’s creativity. “As long as he’s playing, he’ll be one of India’s best. The challenge lies in not stifling his creativity. Once you try to control such players, their brilliance diminishes. It’s a double-edged sword.”
Jadeja also highlighted the mental strength required at the international level, citing Jasprit Bumrah as a prime example. “At that stage, it’s about training your mind, not just your body,” he said. “Bumrah is a prime example; despite being advised to change his action as a teenager, he trusted his instincts and persevered. That belief, paired with mental toughness, is remarkable.”
