Ravindra Jadeja Delivered a match-winning all-round performance as Rajasthan Royals thrashed Lucknow Supergiants by 40 runs, and the veteran all-rounder later reflected on his efforts with clarity, humor and gratitude. Named player of the match for his unbeaten 43 and impact with the ball, Jadeja started in earnest. “Yeah, it feels good, you know, to be man of the match and win the team. So, yeah, I feel great, but before I start, I’d like to dedicate this award to the education minister of Gujarat because he told me himself yesterday that you’re going to do amazing things tomorrow. So I’d like to thank him.” Jadeja’s knock came at a crucial time when Rajasthan’s top order once again crumbled. He revealed that the situation was not easy and patience was required. “Yeah, the wicket was not that easy because the ball was seaming and swinging. So I thought, let me play as long as possible. And that’s what I was talking to Donovan and whoever is coming in to bat. So I was just talking to him that we will play longer because in T20 cricket, you never know. The last over, as we cashed in, like we got 20 odd runs in the last over. So that’s the thinking behind it.” He also explained his approach against Mayank Yadav in the last over, where Rajasthan managed to finish strongly. “Yeah, I think coming off an injury, it’s not that easy to bowl with that pace. But I was just relying on my strength and I was talking to my partner to back each other up and play good cricket shots. Because like I said, there was a lot of movement and bounce on that wicket. So it is not so simple that you can play any shot at any time.“ There was also a lighter moment when Jadeja spoke about his celebration after dismissing Nicolas Pooran. “Yeah, it’s in my pocket. Nothing, I just had an idea randomly and I did it.” With the ball, Jadeja highlighted how he adjusted to the situation by varying his pace. “No, because the ball was in a bit of a grip. So I was just thinking, should I bowl fast on this wicket or should I bowl slow? So I thought, OK, I’ll bowl some slow balls. And then I realized that yes, if I speak slowly, I might be caught a little bit by the wicket. So that’s what I wanted to do.” He also talked about his specific plans against Mitchell Marsh. “Because the mid-wicket side and the long-inside were a bit shorter than the other sides. So I knew he could play that shot at some stage. So I was just bowling and mixing my pace, slow, wide and full. Today I wanted to bowl slow.” Jadeja’s performance proved decisive in a game where Rajasthan’s batting once again struggled for rhythm. His late flourishes ensured they reached 159 for 6, and the bowlers led them. Jofra ArcherLSG were bowled out for 119 runs. On a night when Rajasthan needed someone to step up, Jadeja delivered with both bat and ball, once again highlighting his value.
