Jadeja Confident India Can Salvage Pride in Final Day Battle
Facing a seemingly impossible target of 522 runs with only eight wickets remaining, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has declared that securing a draw in the Guwahati Test against South Africa would represent a moral victory for the home team. The veteran player's comments came after a challenging fourth day at the ACA Stadium on November 25, 2025, where India's position became increasingly precarious.
Seasoned All-Rounder Leads India's Resistance
The 36-year-old Jadeja has emerged as India's standout performer in what has been a difficult match for the hosts. His exceptional bowling display saw him claim seven wickets throughout the Test, including a remarkable spell where he dismissed four of the five South African batsmen who fell on Monday. Jadeja's marathon effort involved bowling over 28 overs in a single spell, demonstrating both skill and remarkable endurance.
Speaking to reporters after the day's play, Jadeja expressed cautious optimism about India's chances on the final day. "I don't think it will affect the next series. But, as a cricketer, nobody wants to lose the series, especially in India," he stated. "So, hopefully, we will try our best cricket. We will try to put our best foot forward tomorrow."
Veteran Defender of Young Teammates
Jadeja came to the defense of India's younger squad members, many of whom have played fewer than ten Tests. He emphasized that these players are still in their learning phase and argued that the criticism they face is disproportionate. "Look, the youngsters in the team, I think, they are in a learning phase. Their careers are starting. So, in international cricket, no matter what format you play, it's not easy," Jadeja explained.
He highlighted the double standards often applied to the Indian team: "In India, when a situation like this happens, and you play 3-4 youngsters in the team, it feels like the whole team is young and inexperienced. And that gets highlighted. But, when India wins in home conditions, people think that it's not a big deal. But, if you lose a series in India, it becomes a very big deal."
The seasoned cricketer also pointed to challenging conditions as a factor in India's performance, noting that the team came in to bat late on the second day when the pitch had already begun to deteriorate. "When they came to bowl, because of the wicket taken by the fast bowler, the spinners came into play more. And, their ball was turning and bouncing," he elaborated.
Despite the daunting task ahead, Jadeja remained philosophical about the potential outcome. "Hopefully, we will try and save the Test match. So that, at least, I know even if we aren't winning the series at least, we are able to draw the match, which is going to be a win-win situation for us," he concluded, setting the stage for what promises to be a dramatic final day of cricket in Guwahati.
