Kohli backs in-form Jadeja to come good again

Kolkata Sep 29 (IANS) India Test captain Virat Kohli put his weight behind Ravindra Jadeja on Thursday saying the all-rounder needs the support of the entire team to realise how good his batting is.

Jadeja, who has often been under the lens for his batting style in the longest format of the game, came up trumps in the first Test against New Zealand in Kanpur both with the bat and bowl, scoring 42 and 50 not out and also taking six wickets in the match.

"I think he used to think too much about Test cricket before. People have different ways of playing and we feel he should not change his batting style," Kohli said of the left-hander who was promoted in the last game and he excelled.

"Where there arises a situation when the team is playing for a draw he has to gain more confidence. But I feel he needs to feel more assured."

Jadeja took 5-73 in the first innings to puncture New Zealand's hopes of getting anything from the tie.

"He needs the support of the team management and fellow players. He needs to realise how good he is with the bat. The habit of regularly getting to 60 and 70 runs is important and then you will remember from your past experiences how to better yourself," added Kohli.

"He has been responding well. I am happy that he is contributing with the bat and ball. He has both skills in abundance and he is making the most of it. I hope he can continue in the same vein for the team."

--IANS

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