'He has to learn a lot of things': Ravindra Jadeja gives his verdict on Rishabh Pant's replacement for IND vs AUS series

Star India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who is making a return to competitive cricket after close to six months, on Monday said his first priority is to get "100 percent" match fit ahead of crucial Test series against Australia. "I am feeling good to be back on field. Very excited. Hopefully it will come good as a team and as an individual also," Jadeja, who will lead Saurashtra in ir final Ranji Trophy Group B league match against Tamil Nadu beginning here on Tuesday, told reporters.

"...See my first priority is to get on field and be fit...100 per cent fit. Once I am 100 per cent fit, I will work more on my skills, wher it is batting or bowling. w, my first priority is fitness..." Jadeja had to undergo knee surgery last year after playing for India last in August.

He said he had spent time at National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and added that he wanted game time before Test series against visiting Australians.

"I was at NCA for 20 days. I was doing batting and bowling. Match scenario is different. I wanted one game before Australia series, that's why I am here." He has been picked in India squad for first two Tests subject to fitness.

When asked if re was any discomfort w, Jadeja said: "t really...after five months I am playing competitive cricket, so you don't feel confident initially. "But as you progress, n definitely you get better and better. Injury is part of any sport. If you get injured, you have to start from scratch. same thing in cricket.

"I was out of action for 5 months. I have to build my fitness. Once I get confidence, I will definitely work on my skills and I will get better day by day." He mentioned that it probably was his longest time out of game.

"I think so...because of surgery." Jadeja revealed it was a ligament tear.

"You feel bad. body wants to get injured at your peak time. It is part of game. You have to keep that in mind and be prepared for it. You can't do anything. re is guarantee that one won't get injured in cricket.

"It was a ligament tear. It is coming good. I am slowly getting confident." Jadeja emphasised that though he had been practising at NCA, a match is a different ball game.

"As I said, a match is a different thing. Different ball game...I will try to give my 100 per cent. I will try to go slowly, slowly. Let's see how my leg is feeling and n we will see."

With star keeper-batter Rishabh Pant expected to be out of action for a considerable time after being involved in a road mishap last month, focus would be on player to don big gloves in Tests against Aussies and Jadeja gave both Srikar Bharat and Ishan Kishan a thumbs up for role. "I am comfortable with everyone. First, I need to be comfortable...(laughs) y both are very good keepers. Srikar Bharat is coming into squad w. He has to learn a lot of things. He will learn and get better and better as he plays more number of games," Asked how challenging it was mentally to return to full fitness, ace all-rounder said, "Actually, fortunately I was busy with some or things...It helped me a lot.

"I was t thinking too much about cricket, two-three months after I got injured and had my surgery. I was busy with some election things(her wife's), that helped me a lot," Jadeja signed off.