The intense competition for the all-rounder’s slot in India’s ODI unit does not bother Kedar Jadhav who shone with both bat and ball in the team’s 90 run win over New Zealand on Saturday.
Jadhav smashed an unbeaten 22 off just 10 balls to help India post 324-4 in their 50 overs before picking up the crucial wicket of Ross Taylor with the ball.
With the 2019 ICC World Cup in England just a few months away, the competition for the all-rounder’s berth has been increasing with each passing day.
Jadhav is one of the players in the fray along with Vijay Shankar and Ravindra Jadeja and that pool has now increased with Hardik Pandya set to return for the third ODI.
Jadhav, though, is relishing the competition for places which he feels is bringing the best out of the players involved.
Jadhav (r) helped India accelerate at the death on Saturday.
“It is a good thing for any team that more guys are competing for one spot. So every time any guy gets an opportunity, he will know that he needs to perform,” Jadhav was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India (PTI).
“It’s not about what I think about my selection. Whether I accept it or not, it’s not in my hands.
“It is the selector’s call and the best 15 will go. Everybody is trying to put their best foot forward and when you play for India, there is bound to be competition and you have to be at the top of your game.”
India’s 90-run win on Saturday helped them take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series against the Kiwis. The third ODI between the two sides takes place at Mount Maunganui on Monday.