Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja on Sunday advised debutant Saransh Jain to not take pressure of playing for India and treat his maiden outing for the country as yet another First-Class match.
The 33-year-old spin bowling all-rounder Saransh on Sunday made his debut against Sri Lanka in the second Test of their two-match series here, becoming the 320th player in the format to represent India.
“Test cap No. 320, Saransh, well done,” Jadeja was seen telling Saransh in a video shared by the BCCI.
“The hard work that you have done for so many years in domestic cricket and have performed continuously, be it India A or the Ranji Trophy, I think this is a very important opportunity for you in life.
“As a cricketer, everyone has a dream to represent India and become a Test player. You should enjoy this moment. Don’t take pressure at all.”
Jadeja added, “Just like you have performed in so many domestic matches, play like you are playing another First-Class match. You have all the other 14 players with you to support you. Enjoy this moment instead of taking pressure.”
Madhya Pradesh’s Saransh, who replaced Kuldeep Yadav in the playing eleven, said getting the cap from the veteran all-rounder was apt since he too was an all-rounder.
“First of all, I would like to thank God and after that my family. My father is the closest person to me, so I would tell him first (about making Test debut). I started playing cricket because of him, and I will continue to play for him,” Saransh said.
“Jaddu bhai is a legend and if I am getting the cap from him, it will only benefit me. I am very happy. I wanted to get a cap from an all-rounder who will motivate me. I am an all-rounder myself, so I will try to fulfil my dream,” he added.
‘Don’t take pressure at all, play like another First-Class game’: Jadeja to Saransh on Test debut
