Team India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja praised captain Shubman Gill for his sensational knock of 269 in the first innings of the ongoing Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Commending Gill’s maturity and growth as a batter, Jadeja remarked that the Indian skipper was unfortunate to get out, as he looked completely in control throughout his marathon innings.
Gill’s commanding 269 came off 387 deliveries and included 30 boundaries and three sixes, with several milestones falling along the way. India, resuming at 310 for 5 on July 3, piled up a mammoth 587. Gill, who resumed the day on 114*, shared a 203-run stand with Jadeja (89) for the sixth wicket and later added 144 runs with Washington Sundar (42) for the seventh.
Addressing the media at the end of Day 2, Jadeja reflected on Gill’s innings and shared his thoughts during the post-day press conference (as quoted by Times of India):
“You didn’t see how much Shubman Gill has grown? (Laughs). Shubman scored 269 runs. He was unlucky because aaj lag nahi raha tha ki woh out hoga [it never looked like he was going to get out today]. We were actually talking about building a long partnership.”
While Shubman Gill grabbed the spotlight, Ravindra Jadeja‘s 208-minute stay provided crucial stability and prevented an early Day 2 collapse. Speaking about his performance, Jadeja shared his thoughts (as quoted by Cricinfo):
“I felt if I can see the new ball off, it would become easy for the rest of the innings. Luckily I could bat till lunch, and then Washi[ngton Sundar] also batted well with Shubman. The more you bat in England, the better it is because you never feel you are set in England. At any time a ball can swing and take your edge or bowl you.”
“I Saw It as a Challenge” – Jadeja on Edgbaston Innings
When Jadeja was eventually dismissed on Day 2 of the Birmingham Test, India had reached a strong position at 414 for 6. But the situation was far more tense when he arrived at the crease on Day 1. England held the upper hand after removing Rishabh Pant and Nitish Reddy in quick succession. Reflecting on his innings, Jadeja said:
“When you contribute with the bat for the team, it feels great, when you are playing outside India, and the team needs you more, it feels good. From 210 for 5, to put together a big partnership to take the team forward, it is a challenge. I took it as a challenge.”
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