I need to slow down a bit: Jadeja

The India all-rounder said he will have to make smart adjustments to avoid injuries.

Rajkot: After nearly 12 years of having played Test cricket with a rarely-seen intensity, Ravindra Jadeja has finally resigned to the fact that he, all of 35-years-old, might have to slow down. But even then he couldn’t help himself but add a trailing “sometimes you can’t stop yourself…”

Jadeja, who was ruled out of the second Test due to a hamstring injury, has joined the side for his home Test and is front in the centre of India’s plans to mitigate England’s aggression. 

When asked if he would be able to put behind his latest injury and focus on the job at hand, he insisted that he would, but spoke of an oft-ignored part of his game. 

“The plan is to play the same way as before, giving it a 100 per cent, but I have to protect my body a bit more. I don’t think I need to throw in as many dives as I do (laughs),” said the left-arm spinner on the eve of the third Test. “But the truth is anything can happen anytime. You can also pick an injury off the field. But as far as returning goes, once you start playing you get into a rhythm so that’s not an issue.”   

“See, a lot of cricket is being played these days, and I can’t hide on the field. I am always in the hotspots, and the team also expects me to be at my best, either taking catches or getting people run out. That’s just my role so I am always on my toes. I just have to be a bit careful and manage my body a bit better.”