Fans heaped praise Thursday on Ravindra Jadeja after the “bits and pieces” cricketer emerged as the unlikely hero of a losing cause, silencing critics who had questioned his place in the star-packed Indian team.
The all-rounder top-scored with 77 to take India tantalisingly close to a win in their World Cup semi-final against New Zealand on Wednesday as they chased a modest 240.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. “Jadeja showed his worth,” tweeted one user while another said his innings would be “remembered for a long time to come” for its sheer grit and tenacity.
Jadeja, 30, thanked fans for their support, promising to continue giving his best “till my last breath”.
“Sports has taught me to keep on rising after every fall & never to give up,” he tweeted.
Jadeja seemed all fired up when he walked out to bat Wednesday after being written off as a “bits and pieces” player by Sanjay Manjrekar, a commentator and former India batsman. Manjrekar was forced to eat his words soon after play ended Wednesday.
“By bits ‘n’ pieces of sheer brilliance, he’s ripped me apart on all fronts,” Manjrekar conceded. “This is the Jadeja we haven’t seen before. Today he was brilliant.”
Leave your comments