India may be facing a tall order on the fifth day of the Guwahati Test against South Africa, with 522 runs left to chase and two wickets having already fallen, but all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja suggests that even being able to save the Test in the manner of a draw will feel like a win for the embattled home side.
“I don’t think it will affect the next series. But, as a cricketer, nobody wants to lose the series, especially in India. So, hopefully, we will try (to play) our best cricket. We will try to put our best foot forward tomorrow,” Jadeja told news reporters after the end of play on Day 4, per PTI.
“Hopefully, we will try and save the Test match. So that, at least, I know even if we aren’t winning the series at least, we are able to draw the match, which is going to be a win-win situation for us.”
The 36-year-old has been the top performer for India in a dire Test, taking seven wickets in the match. He castled four of the five South African wickets that fell on Monday with a relentless overall spell of over 28 overs.
The veteran jumped to the defence of his younger colleagues, some of whom are yet to reach their 10th Test, by claiming that they remain in “a learning phase” when it comes to international cricket.
“Look, the youngsters in the team, I think, they are in a learning phase. Their careers are starting. So, in international cricket, no matter what format you play, it’s not easy. No matter what format you play, it’s always a bit challenging,” he said. “So, in India, when a situation like this happens, and you play 3-4 youngsters in the team, it feels like the whole team is young and inexperienced. And that gets highlighted. But, when India wins in home conditions, people think that it’s not a big deal. But, if you lose a series in India, it becomes a very big deal.”
“For a youngster, it’s a learning phase. If they handle this situation well, they will mature as players. And, India’s future will be better,” he added.
In attempting to justify India’s poor showing, Jadeja did say that the conditions did not play in their favour since they came in to bat only at the end of the second day. “When they came to bowl, because of the wicket taken by the fast bowler, the spinners came into play more. And, their ball was turning and bouncing,” he explained.
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