 Decision to drop Rahul shocking: Jadeja
30th Oct 2007 23:48 IST
Agencies
On the ensuing five-match India-Pakistan one-day series, Jadeja predicted a close contest. "The result could be 3-2 either way. But I have a feeling that the individual matches may not be that close. The matches may end three overs before the full quota of overs."
He praised Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy and said "I see all the signs in him of a perfect captain. But still, it may be a bit early to comment on him."
Jadeja, however, asserted that the wicket-keeper stumper should also be made the skipper of the Test side.
Asked about the absence of quality all-rounders in the Indian side, Jadeja mentioned Dhoni (batsman plus wicket keeping) and Yuvraj Singh (almost an all-rounder).
But he said one should not compare the present lot of all-rounders with a legend like Kapil Dev. "Players like Kapil are born and not created. It’s the same for Ganguly and (Sachin) Tendulkar. The greatness about great players is that they cannot be replaced."
He did not agree that the Indian team badly needed a new coach. "Unless you are talking of a big name, you have to accept that the present coaching staff (bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad) and fielding coach (Robin Singh) are doing a good job. The two of them are very hard working and disciplined.
"They have got victories, and got respect of players. Earlier, you had a big name, but you know what happened," he said.
Jadeja was all praise for the Indian Premier League promoted by the BCCI. "It's a most wonderful thing that has happened to Indian cricketers. The players will not get into the team for being born at some place, or because they work for an organisation. The players will be evaluated solely on the basis of their performance." |
