Homecoming for Ravindra Jadeja

Playing in front of home crowd injects gusto in a player. But none of the Saurashtra players, who went on to don Team India colours, has played on their home ground. On Tuesday, Ravindra Jadeja will probably become the first Saurashtra cricketer to play in Rajkot. Saurashtra has produced international cricketers like Vinoo Mankad, Karsan Ghavri, Dhiraj Parsana and Ashok Patel.

“Though, I haven’t been able to play on the home ground, I understand that special feeling,” said Ashok Patel, who has eight ODIs to his credit. According to Kiran More the atmosphere at times creates pressure. “People have big expectations, which at times builds the pressure. I wish Ravindra overcomes that and plays an innings similar to Yuvraj in Mohali,” said the former chief selector.

Hoping that Ravindra will make it to the playing XI, Jadejas are coming down to Rajkot. The family will arrive from Bhavnagar on the match-day itself. “We are very much excited about it. It will be great to see Ravindra being cheered by the home fans. He has played on this ground but this is big a stage and a big match,” said sister Nayna. Over to MS Dhoni.