Saurashtra coach Niraj Odedra reveals comeback date of Ravindra Jadeja

On February 2023, team India will begin their four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. However, Ravindra Jadeja is still out of action due to the knee injury that he sustained in 2022. Meanwhile, selectors considered his name in the squad for the first two Tests. But, the Indian Cricket Board’s statement revealed that his inclusion being "subject to fitness". 

Currently, Jadeja is in the National Cricket Academi (NCA) in Bengaluru. He is preparing himself for the upcoming series against the Aussies. However, there were reports that he might play a match for Saurashtra in the ongoing Ranji Trophy before his comeback for team India. Regarding that, the Saurashtra coach, Niraj Odedra came up with a huge revelation.

“A player of that calibre joining the team is a huge morale boost as well.” - Saurashtra coach, Niraj Odedra on Ravindra Jadeja 

In an interview with Sportstar, Niraj Odedra said that Ravindra Jadeja has confirmed catching up with the Saurashtra team. He said: “In fact, I had sent Jaddu a WhatsApp text saying that the boys are really excited to have him back. He immediately wrote back saying he is looking forward to catching up with the team. It’s been a while since he played Ranji Trophy for Saurashtra.” 

He also said that the addition of a player like him will be a huge moral boost for the whole team. “A player of that calibre joining the team is a huge morale boost as well. His training and workload will be as per the National Cricket Academy (NCA) protocols," Odedra added. However, if Jadeja plays, it will be the first time he plays a Ranji Trophy match since November 2018.

Saurashtra are currently in the top spot with 26 points in six matches with three wins, one draw, and two losses. Their next match will be on 24 January 2023 against Tamil Nadu in Chennai. Meanwhile, they are coming to this clash after getting defeated by Andhra Pradesh with a margin of 150 runs.