'I can't hide...': Ravindra Jadeja reveals why he keeps getting injured, explains plan to avoid it

India all-rounder Ravindra Jeja expressed confidence on Wednesday, stating that England isn't a particularly challenging team to overcome, emphasizing that India simply needs to acclimate to ir aggressive style of play to clinch five-match Test series. Regarding his recent injuries, Ravindra Jeja acknowledged challenges of staying fit in modern cricket, particularly given his high visibility on field.

Ravindra Jeja opens up on his injuries

“It is frustrating but cricket has increased se days and that is at back of mind always. I can't hide anywhere in field, I am always on hotspot in any format, and that maybe reason (for injuries), and ball comes to me often," Jeja said.

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“re is an expectation from team that I take a good catch or field well and that's good. I can work on my body more smartly and do it carefully and hope re will be no problem. But re is no guarantee,” he ded.

“I would like to give my 100 percent and save my body and keep away from diving when not required. That's it. I don't think about that too much because it (returning from injury) has happened before.

“As match progresses, body will get used to flow and n it gets out of your mind that re was an injury. I will get into rhythm in one or two days,” he said.

Jeja also shared his anticipation for teammate R Ashwin's impending milestone of 500 Test wickets, expressing excitement for accomplishment, especially as it coincides with match being played in Jeja's hometown of Rajkot.

Jeja is expecting a flat pitch for third Test. “Here wicket is flat and hard, but depends on what y have prepared. Sometimes you get 37 wickets in three matches (days), but this wicket looks good.

“Here wicket behaves differently in every game. Sometimes it stays flat, sometimes it turns, sometimes it plays well for two days and n turns. I believe it will play well first and n slowly it will break and ball will turn,” said Jeja.

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‘Young players are seasoned’

With Rajat Patidar making his debut in previous Test and Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel in line to be handed ir Test caps in Rajkot, Jeja said young players have equate experience and knowledge to be successful in prevailing conditions.

“All se new boys are coming into side after playing a lot of first-class cricket. se are seasoned players, y know how to play long innings and have an idea how it goes in Test cricket.

"Such a time (transition) is inevitable, wher it comes after two years or five, it is good for m that y are getting an opportunity in home conditions.

“If y are making Test debut in Australia or South Africa, player also lacks confidence wher y will be able to perform or not. It (India) is an ideal place for m since y have played on such wickets a lot and y have idea on how pitch would behave,” he said.

‘Destiny that Ashwin would take his 500th wicket here’

Jeja said it was only in destiny that Ashwin, who has 499 wickets, would have chance to bring up his 500th scalp at Rajkot.

“He will definitely complete his 500 wickets on this ground. I am very excited because I have been playing with him for 12-13 years and to achieve this milestone of completing 500 Test wickets is a really big thing,” Jeja said.

“I thought he would complete it in first Test but it’s okay, whatever is written in destiny… he will complete his 500 wickets in Rajkot, in my hometown,” Jeja ded. 

(With PTI inputs)