NEW DELHI: Ravindra Jadeja may not have made significant contributions with the bat and ball in this T20 World Cup as yet, but the number of runs he saves in the field and the stunning catches that he takes do make a big difference.
As India defeated Afghanistan by 47 runs to start their Super Eights campaign on a winning note on Thursday, Jadeja took 2 catches in the deep and also saved more than a couple of runs in the field.
T20 WORLD CUP:
Jadeja first took the catch of Mohammad Nabi at deep mid-wicket off Kuldeep Yadav in the 17th over and gave Arshdeep Singh his first wicket in the next over by taking the catch of Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan at deep third man.
The Indian cricket board (BCCI) shared the link of a video on their official X handle that shows the fielding coach T Dilip presenting the 'fielder of the match medal' in the Indian dressing room after the match.
The video starts with Dilip praising the team for adapting and acclimatizing to the conditions in Barbados, adding that all showed tremendous attention to details.
The first contender for the 'fielder of the match medal' was Arshdeep Singh about whom Dilip said that his readiness on the field was very much on display.
Dilip praised the lightning skills on the field and the sharp instincts of the second contender Jadeja.
Dilip also lauded the third contender Axar Patel for being very consistent with what he does on the field and the amount of effort he puts in the practice sessions.
Dilip then praised Rishabh Pant for his determination and also his focus level to come back game after game and doing what he does is best.
Dilip then announced that it will be India head coach Rahul Dravid who will present the medal as the cricketers cheered him on. Dravid goes on to present the medal to Jadeja who lifts him up in his arms.
After getting the medal Jadeja says, "This medal is very important, I am very happy to get this medal today and I am very very inspired from Mohammad Siraj. Thank you Siraj, cheers!"
The Indian cricket team now heads to Antigua to face Bangladesh on Saturday.
1/9:T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav stars as India down Afghanistan
<p>T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav stars as India down Afghanistan</p>ANI
2/9:Suryakumar Yadav
<p>Suryakumar Yadav's fearless knock of 53 off 28 balls powered India to 181 for 8 on a challenging pitch.</p>ANI
3/9:Rashid Khan
<p>Rashid Khan (3/26) was the standout bowler for Afghanistan, but India dominated with both bat and ball.</p>AFP
4/9:Afghanistan's Struggle
<p>Afghanistan struggled in their run chase, being bowled out for 134 in 20 overs, never posing a real threat to India.</p>AP
5/9:Jasprit Bumrah
<p>Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional figures of 3/7 in four overs dismantled Afghanistan's batting lineup.</p>PTI
6/9:Kuldeep Yadav
<p>Kuldeep Yadav, playing his first match of the tournament, took 2/32, adding to Afghanistan's woes.</p>ANI
7/9:Next: India vs Bangladesh
<p>India will face Bangladesh in their next Super 8 fixture in Antigua on Saturday.</p>AFP
8/9:Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Rahmanullah Gurbaz's early aggression was short-lived as he fell to Jasprit Bumrah's bowling.AFP
