Fit-again Kedar Jadhav announces return

With question marks dangling over India’s unstable middle order, particularly the no.2 and no.4 slots, the return of Kedar Jadhav has come as a breath of fresh of air for Team India. Yes, the all-rounder, who had made the no.6 spot his own and given the captain crucial overs with his unusual but effective off-spin bowling, Jadhav has recovered from his injury and is all set to return to the cricket field.

With question marks dangling over India’s unstable middle order, particularly the no.2 and no.4 slots, the return of Kedar Jadhav has come as a breath of fresh of air for Team India. Yes, the all-rounder, who had made the no.6 spot his own and given the captain crucial overs with his unusual but effective off-spin bowling, Jadhav has recovered from his injury and is all set to return to the cricket field.

Jadhav, who missed the recently concluded England series due to injury, will return to action in two-three weeks’ time.

"Rehab (rehabilitation) is good. Another maximum two-three week and I will be fit and start playing.  I am allowed to bat now also, but because of rain, I am not able to. In two weeks I will start playing," Jadhav told reporters during a promotional event in Mumbai.

Playing for Chennai Super Kings, Jadhav got injured in the opening game of this year's IPL against Mumbai Indians on April 7, which ruled him out of the lucrative event. He later underwent a surgery in Melbourne. 

"I am recovering faster than expected, so I am happy," the 33-year-old Maharashtra cricketer said.

Jadhav revealed that he suffered the injury on the same muscle for the third time.

"Yes, it was a recurrent injury. Almost the third time, the same muscle was injured. I got injured first in December against Sri Lanka in Dharamshala, then in South Africa in the third ODI and then again in IPL," he said.

"So when it (the injury) happens, again and again, you have to find a confirmed solution. The physios and doctors in India then decided that surgery will give me better option to play for longer duration."              

Jadhav said he was disappointed that he missed the ongoing tour of England and the IPL.

The right-handed batsman admitted that it was difficult to get over the injury period.

"I will say it was a difficult three-month period, but I feel I understood the importance of fitness," added Jadhav, who has played 40 ODIs so far.

"Injuries are a part of the game and we can't do anything. Overall, I gained knowledge about my body," he said. 

Jadhav also said that he got the support of skipper Virat Kohli during this difficult phase.

"Not only this period, but since the time I have joined the team, his (Kohli's) support is there. I remember when I first got selected in the India team, he (Kohli) had gifted me a Blackberry phone.

"So Virat is always encouraging youngsters as a leader and off the field, he is a loving and caring person," he said.