Ravindra Jadeja was appointed vice-captain for the West Indies series, stepping in while Rishabh Pant recovered from injury.
Ravindra Jadeja Sets Aside Captaincy Ambitions Despite Vice-Captain Role
When Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket in May, speculation intensified over India’s next captain. Former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin suggested that chief selector Ajit Agarkar consider Ravindra Jadeja—the most experienced player in the squad—for the role “for the next two years.” Five months later, Jadeja was named vice-captain for India’s home Test series against the West Indies.
However, the all-rounder has since admitted that he no longer harbours ambitions to lead the team. Jadeja was appointed vice-captain as Rishabh Pant, who previously held the role during the England tour earlier in the summer, was sidelined with an injury. The senior player also showcased his form by winning the Player of the Match award in the first Test at Ahmedabad.
Ravindra Jadeja Rules Out Captaincy but Pledges to Guide Youngsters
When asked about his captaincy ambitions, Ravindra Jadeja was quick to dismiss them, emphasizing his focus on supporting the team and mentoring younger players.
“No, sir. I don’t even think about that. That time has gone long back. Now, I just try to help the team as much as I can. If a youngster comes and asks me, like Kuldeep asks about bowling, I give my opinion. Sometimes Jaiswal comes, anyone comes, I tell them what I feel. Where to play based on wicket, conditions, all that. I’m not thinking about captaincy or vice-captaincy at all. I just take what I get and perform,” Jadeja said during the Day 2 press conference in Delhi.
He also addressed the nature of the Delhi track, explaining its slow turn and how the team planned for it: “No, I am not surprised because we asked for slow turn. We didn’t ask for rank turn. I think this is what we expected. As the game progresses, the wicket will start turning slowly, not on the first day. So I think not surprised. We have to work hard. As I said, we have to work hard, bowl well throughout the innings. Only then we’ll be able to get them out. I think we’ll continue to do it and hopefully produce a good result.”
On the field, Jadeja showcased his skill, picking up three wickets for 37 runs in 14 overs as West Indies reached 140/4 in their first innings, chasing India’s 518/5.
