Ravindra Jadeja, the veteran Indian all-rounder, has responded with a touch of humor when questioned about his ambitions for Test captaincy. Despite being a senior player in the Indian Test team, the selectors opted for Shubman Gill to lead the side after Rohit Sharma's exit, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy.
Following his impressive performance with the bat against England, Jadeja was asked if he had ever considered the possibility of captaining the Test team. With a smile, he responded, "No, that time is gone now".
Jadeja's recent comments contrast with his statements earlier this year. In May, during a conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja expressed his desire to captain the Indian Test team. He stated that having played under numerous captains, he understands the mindset of players and what they need. "Yes, definitely! Over the years, I have played under different captains. I know the mindset of every single captain whom I have played under and I also understand what players need and their mindset," Jadeja said. He also noted that Test captaincy is more about calculation and simpler than the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket.
Jadeja also reflected on the influence of MS Dhoni on his career, highlighting Dhoni's team-first approach to leadership. He admires Dhoni's focus on the collective performance of the team rather than personal milestones.
In the recent Test match against England, Jadeja played a crucial role, scoring a valuable 89 off 137 deliveries. His partnership with Gill helped India gain a strong position in the game. Jadeja also shared his insights on India's strategy for the following day, emphasizing the importance of taking early wickets to gain a further advantage.
While Jadeja may have jokingly dismissed his captaincy aspirations, his experience and understanding of the game remain invaluable to the Indian team. His contributions with both bat and ball continue to make him a vital asset in the Test format.