Media365
NEW DELHI: India’s premier all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was seen putting in additional work during a specialised training session ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand at the Kotambi Stadium.In a video shared by the BCCI on Sunday, Jadeja was seen engaging in an innovative bowling drill. The all-rounder repeatedly landed the ball between different coloured cones placed on the pitch, following instructions from bowling coach Morne Morkel, who closely supervised and guided the session.
“Coach gave me a task: by the trigger, when I am going to pitch the ball, he will name the colour blue, green and red. He will pick from all three, and I have to pitch the ball closer to that colour with accuracy, like a normal match pitch.“And in between, he also kept two blue coloured balls for the full ball. So, at the same time, he will tell me where to pitch the ball at the last moment,” Jadeja said while explaining the practice.Jadeja heads into the series with form, fitness and confidence firmly on his side. The experienced all-rounder has looked sharp in domestic cricket this month, scoring an unbeaten 52 against Gujarat before following it up with a knock of 36 and figures of 1 for 48 against Services in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.The left-hander also boasts an impressive ODI record against New Zealand, built over a span of 15 years. Jadeja has amassed 386 runs in 16 matches against the Black Caps at an average of 48.25, while also claiming 10 wickets in those outings.After missing the ODI series against Australia, Jadeja made a return to the format during the home series against South Africa, producing a strong all-round performance.Following the series opener in Kotambi, the second ODI will be played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on January 14, while the third and final match will take place at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on January 18.
