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T20 World Cup: Injury to Ravindra Jadeja a massive blow for India, but Virat Kohli returning to form a big plus, says Mahela Jayawardene | Cricket News


MUMBAI: Sri Lanka baseball Great Mahela Jayawardene feel India has suffered a huge blow with all the Ravindra Jadeja injured and not part of the ICC’s 15-member team T20 World Cupwill be available in Australia next month.
Jadeja underwent a knee surgery a week back and is in recovery, posting announcements on social media and updating fans on his progress.
Jadeja suffered a right knee injury and was ruled out of the 2022 Asian Cup after playing the first two matches in the continental tournament. The 33-year-old also missed India’s tour of the West Indies in July due to injury.
“It was a challenge (for India). They fit him (Jadeja) in that No. 5 role. He hit the ball really well, and he and Hardik (Pandya) made it to the top. six – two who can make all-round choices – has given India much more flexibility in that batting order,” JayawardenE said on ‘The ICC Review’ on Saturday.
The former Sri Lanka captain said Jadeja’s absence would be “a huge loss” for one of the tournament’s early favorites.
“It was a tough one for them, and probably a concern without that left-hander. They moved on to get rid of DK (Dinesh Karthik) and put Rishabh (Pant) in that role, defeating it. in 5th or 4th place.” Those are the things they have to deal with going into the World Cup. But without Jadeja, the form they are now … it would be a big loss for them,” Jayawardene said.
Jayawardene, who became head coach of the Mumbai Indians in 2017 and under which MI won three IPL titles, was recently elevated to the role of MI Global Director of Performance and empowered to coach for South African Mark Boucher.
Jayawardene feels that despite Jadeja’s hit, India still has a lot to look forward to because of their star hitter Virat kohli getting back in shape.
The 33-year-old took a month-long break from cricket to focus on mental health and returned to the Asian Cup, scoring the century goal.
Kohli broke his 1,020-day drought of the century, scoring his 71st goal in his 71st international while beating 122 games unbeaten against Afghanistan. He finished as the second-highest number of runs in the tournament with 276 runs with a strike rate of 147.59.
“He (Kohli) was there and there pretty much (in the Asian Cup),” Jayawardene said. “He doesn’t get that big of a score to get that confidence, especially in whiteball cricket, which always happens.
“There’s been a few injury concerns over the last 12 months. He hasn’t smiled and they’ve given him a break, and India continues to give everyone a break, given the amount of work they have. So, the lack of steady operation also makes it difficult.
“In the Asian Cup, he hit the ball well, showing his ability, especially in that batting position. Going to India, there’s stability in that squad and confidence that someone like Virat will become a factor, will also be a concern for the opposition.
“It’s nice to see him hitting the ball like that. We need all these great players to be at their best in a World Cup, and that’s what the World Cup deserves. Everyone will compete. play against each other at that level. It’s going to be an exciting World Cup in Australia,” said Jayawardene.
The Sri Lankan added that India will be further strengthened by the return of fitness by goalkeeper Jasearch Bumrah.
“For me, how they played, the skill, the talent, everything was there. They just needed a little bit of confidence with the bat, the ball and on the court,” Jayawardena said.
“These are the little things that India will want to improve on. It’s just the confidence of the bowlers to be able to catch the ball and then execute the skills.
“Obviously, the absence of Jasosystem (in the Asian Cup) was also a factor. He filled a big gap for them with a new ball and in the back line. That will also solve them when he comes back. Australia.
“The World Cups are about momentum, the World Cups are about playing your best cricket at the right time. So as long as they raise their game to that level, I think India has their strengths. Quality players can do that.”





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