Ravindra Jadeja provides multiple backups in the current Indian setup - as an all-rounder for Hardik Pandya, and as a third spinner if conditions are conducive, Cricbuzz reports.
He can also be considered if India need a better depth in batting and a beefed up fielding unit. And thus, his showing with the bat in Saturday's warm-up clash against New Zealand should sit up pretty well for himself as well as the team.
Having won the toss, India elected to bat on a wicket with a fair amount of grass. It was a decision taken in order to test the batsmen in challenging conditions. None of the three opening options - Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul - managed to make a mark, all falling to Trent Boult. Even Virat Kohli, who was cleaned up by Colin de Grandhomme, fell soon after and India were left reeling at 39 for 4 in the 11th over.
Hardik Pandya managed some quick runs while MS Dhoni hung around for a while but by the time Jadeja walked out to bat, they were reduced to 77 for 5, and three balls later, slid to 81 for 6. However, despite the batting collapse, Jadeja doesn't believe there is much to fret about the top order's failure.
"We wanted to bat first on purpose, to test ourselves in seaming conditions," he said at the post-match press conference. "Had it been during the tournament, we would have taken a better decision after winning the toss.
