Returning to motion within the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in opposition to Australia after almost 5 months, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja feels he’s blessed to put on the India jersey once more after recovering from a career-threatening knee harm, which compelled him to overlook the T20 World Cup in Australia final 12 months.
Jadeja missed the 2022 T20 World Cup as he underwent knee surgical procedure, which saved him out of the sport for 5 months.
“I am very excited and happy that after almost more than five months, I get to wear the Indian jersey again. I have been blessed that I was given the opportunity again and the journey to reach here was full of up and downs. Because if you are not playing cricket for five months, it becomes very frustrating and obviously, I was eagerly waiting to get fit as soon as possible so that I can go play for India,” he informed BCCI.television in an interview.
Jadeja mentioned personally it was a tough choice for him to make whether or not to bear surgical procedure earlier than or after the World Cup, however ultimately, he glided by the physician’s recommendation.
“I had a problem with my knee and I had to get surgery sooner or later. But I had to take the decision whether I would have it before the World Cup or after. So, the doctor also advised me to do it before the World Cup because my chances of playing the World Cup were anyway pretty less. So I made up my mind and went for the surgery.” He, nonetheless, mentioned the interval after the surgical procedure was actually tough however the motivation of donning the India jersey once more saved him going.
“The period after that (surgery) was pretty difficult because you have to continuously do rehab and training. You had thoughts in your head about your fitness When you saw the matches on TV like I was watching the World Cup, I wished that I was there.
“These small things motivate you to speed up the recovery process,” he mentioned in regards to the post-surgery restoration interval.
“The physios and trainers at the NCA worked a lot on my knee. Even when the NCA was closed on Sundays, they would come and specially treat me. The two months after the injury were especially tough because I couldn’t go anywhere, I couldn’t walk properly. That was a pretty critical time and there my family and friends stood by my side. The NCA trainers also boosted my confidence.” Only final month, Jadeja made a profitable return to the sport, representing Saurashtra in a Ranji Trophy recreation in opposition to Tamil Nadu in Chennai.
“I felt a bit awkward because I hadn’t been out in the sun for five months. I was doing indoor training so when I went into the middle I was thinking if my body can sustain itself.
“First day was very tough and we all know about Chennai’s heat. Then my body acclimatised to the situation and I felt good and fit,” he mentioned.
The first of the 4 Tests in opposition to visiting Australia will start right here on February 9.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com