Jadeja Learns Of Vice-Captaincy From Squad Announcement; Expresses Surprise & Happiness

Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja revealed he was unaware of being appointed vice-captain until the BCCI officially announced India’s Test squad.

Speaking before the first Test in Ahmedabad, Jadeja said he only noticed ‘VC’ initials beside his name in the announcement.

“They didn’t say anything to me, I just saw it written and felt happy,” Jadeja told BCCI TV confidently.

He added that such gestures from management, the captain, and the coach give players confidence and encouragement to perform and contribute.

Jadeja emphasised he is always willing to share his vast experience with younger teammates whenever the team requires guidance.

Regular vice-captain Rishabh Pant missed the series due to injury, prompting selectors to entrust leadership responsibilities temporarily to Jadeja.

Calling the role ‘special’, Jadeja said the additional responsibility reflects management’s respect, boosting his motivation to contribute with bat and ball.

He stated he would provide inputs on planning whenever needed, ensuring his experience benefits Shubman Gill’s leadership and the overall team.

Jadeja recently excelled in England, scoring 516 runs at an average of 86, including one century and five half-centuries. He finished as the fourth-highest run-getter in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, despite batting lower in the order throughout the series.

Jadeja’s red-ball record highlights 3,886 runs at an average of 37.73, with five centuries and 27 fifties to date. He also claimed 330 Test wickets at an average of 25.12, including fifteen five-wicket hauls, underlining his match-winning all-round ability.

For the 36-year-old Saurashtra star, this vice-captaincy role symbolises recognition for his consistent excellence and leadership qualities in international cricket.

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