India’s all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja gave his gratitude to skipper Rohit Sharma for backing him after he made his return to the Indian team.

Rohit had revealed after the first T20I that they would want to utilize Jadeja’s batting prowess with the bat and the all-rounder would get more opportunities to bat in the middle order as he has been in fine form in the last couple of years.

Jadeja was promoted to bat at number four in the first T20I against Sri Lanka at Lucknow but he didn’t get to face a lot of deliveries. Subsequently, the left-hander was given a chance to bat at number five in the second T20I against the Island nation at Dharamshala and he was able to grab it with both hands.

Jadeja was able to hit the ground running as he scored a boundary on the first ball he faced. The southpaw scored 45 runs off just 18 balls with the help of seven fours and one six and helped the team in chasing down the total of 184 runs with 2.5 overs to spare. Furthermore, Jadeja accounted for Danushka Gunathilaka in the second T20I.

India was able to get over the target of 183 runs with seven wickets in hand after Shreyas Iyer played a fine knock of unbeaten 74 runs. Ergo, India was able to take an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the series.

Ravindra Jadeja said in the post-match press conference, “Yeah, absolutely, you know, I would like to thank Rohit because he trusted me and believed in me that I can score runs for my team. Hopefully, whenever I get an opportunity in the future, I’ll try and give my best, play according to the situation, and win the game for my team.”

Meanwhile, Jadeja has been in sublime form in the last couple of years, especially with the bat and he has been doing a fine job for the team. Jadeja has also grabbed his chances while batting in the middle order for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and he had played a key role in the team’s success in the previous season.

Jadeja has all the experience under his belt and he would look to continue the good show. The third T20I will be played on Sunday.