Returned after 480 days, Jadeja terms his comeback memorable

With impressive figures of 4/29 and was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match Award in India's seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup

After almost 480 days, spinner Ravindra Jadeja returned to India’s ODI squad. And once he donned the blue Indian jersey, he created a typhoon at the Dubai International stadium with his terrific bowling against Bangladesh on Friday. The left-arm spinner registered impressive figures of 4/29 and was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match Award in India's seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup.

After leaving a deep mark with his performance, Jadeja stated "I don't have" to prove anything to anyone.

“I will always remember this comeback because I returned to the team after a gap of around 480 days. The earlier gaps have not been this long,” Jadeja told reporters at the post-match press conference.

Jadeja, back in the Indian One-Day International team for the first time since July 2017, foxed the Bangladesh batting line-up with his smart bowling.

“Even in Test cricket, because the last few series have been overseas, I haven't been getting chances consistently. So I was determined that whenever I get the chance I will perform, that's all that I can control. I was only focused about my own game and how I can improve further,” he said.

The Saurashtra cricketer is known for his ability to bowl his spinning deliveries quickly.

“On a slow wicket, you have to bowl with more of your own effort. On a normal wicket, the ball goes through quickly after bouncing so it doesn't give the batsman as much time. But on a slow wicket you have to bowl with more effort,” said Jadeja.

Regarding the last-minute developments prior to his latest limited overs comeback, he said, "I didn't know that I got a call for the one-day team because I was playing for Vijay Hazare. I didn't know what is going on here. The day before I got the call from the selector, he said I might have to go to Dubai, so be ready.

“I was playing Test cricket. Last few series were away so I didn't play in it. I was concentrating on what is in my control, how to improve my game in away conditions. When I got a chance in England, I did well. Here, unfortunately, Axar (Patel) got injured and I got my opportunity and did well.”

Asked about Sunday's Super Four match against arch-rivals Pakistan, he said, "Be it India-Pakistan or any other country, playing for India is a matter of pride. But India-Pakistan is something everyone is excited about."