It has been more than four months now since India’s ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja last played international cricket. It was in the Asia Cup 2022 match vs Hong Kong, the all-rounder last played for India. He sustained a knee injury and then had a successful surgery. Jadeja has been updating his fans with his recovery process at the National Cricket Academy. However, the BCCI has not stated anything about the availability of Jadeja as to when will he make a comeback. The board spoke a bit about Jasprit Bumrah's return but has always refrained from saying anything about when the sword celebration will be back again.
But kudos to his bowling partner Ravichandran Ashwin as he may have disclosed Jadeja’s return date. According to him, he is confident that Jadeja will make a comeback in the high-profile series against Australia.
"I put in a lot of work whenever a home series happens. I'm expecting (Ravindra) Jadeja to come through (be fit in time) but I like expanding more angles. I got some things in my head. I've been watching Australia play in Australia. I'd like to be working on some different angles, something new," Ashwin told The New Indian Express.
The last time India played a Test match against the Aussies, Ashwin played a crucial role both with the bat and the ball. He got rid of Steve Smith twice and played a patient knock of an unbeaten 39 off 128 balls to end the match in a draw.
"I have started my training. I have been dreaming (about the series) and I've been doing some yoga. I've been religiously doing yoga over the last year or so. I think it's just helped me feel much better. As for the skills, I've definitely put in a lot of work on my batting. My batting has really been upscale over the last 18 months or so," he added.
"Even at this stage of my career, I want to keep that benchmark going. This year I was supposed to play the Ranji Trophy, but what happened was I played the games in Bangladesh and when I came back, I had to look after my niggles a little bit. I have just taken a small break and I'm putting myself through a four-week program where I'm strengthening my entire body."