Trisha Ghosal in Birmingham
India dominated Day 2 of the second Test at Edgbaston, with Shubman Gill producing a breathtaking 269 — now the highest Test score by an Indian batter in England. The Indian captain, calm and commanding, led his side off the field having taken firm control of the match. But it wasn’t just Gill who made headlines. Ravindra Jadeja, ever the straight shooter, spoke with refreshing honesty at the press conference, offering sharp insights on the pitch, England’s tactics, and the mood in the Indian camp.
On Ben Stokes
Jadeja recounted a light moment on the field involving England captain Ben Stokes. “He was thinking I was making the pitch rough for myself,” Jadeja said, raising an eyebrow and smiling. “But it wasn’t the case.” The all-rounder, known for his wry humour, didn’t elaborate, but the remark left the room chuckling, and also subtly questioned Stokes’ reading of the situation.
On the Pitch
Jadeja was clear that the surface at Edgbaston was tailored for England’s strengths. “Can’t complain on the conditions — they’ve made the wicket according to their batting style,” he said. But he followed it up with a line that summed up India’s emphatic statement: “We also have players who can score big.” With 587 on the board, his words weren’t bravado — they were fact.
On Shubman Gill as Captain and Batter
Jadeja was all praise for the young skipper, who has now led by example with the bat. “He’s looking in top-notch shape,” Jadeja said. “His batting doesn’t show that he has any extra pressure from captaincy. When we were batting together, we just spoke about building the partnership. He was in complete control.”
On the Role of Spinners in These Conditions
With little help on offer for spinners so far, Jadeja acknowledged the challenge. “The ball hasn’t turned much in these two days. The focus for now is to keep the fielders accordingly and maintain pressure.” His job, as always, will be about patience and precision.
On Combinations and Kuldeep Yadav
Jadeja briefly addressed Kuldeep Yadav’s exclusion and the broader selection dynamics. “These are conversations about team balance. Some things are not in your control. You just have to be ready when your chance comes,” he said. As for personal rapport with Kuldeep? “When we go out, we don’t talk cricket.”
From his bat to his banter, Jadeja continues to contribute in every department. And after this presser, it’s safe to say the scoreboard wasn’t the only place India were ahead.
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