Kedar Jadhav sent a strong message to selectors before the World Cup with a street-smart 81 to guide India to a six-wicket win over Australia in the first ODI, in Hyderabad on Saturday.
Jadhav, whose unbeaten 87-ball 81 was laced with nine fours and a six, was supported by Mahendra Singh Dhoni (59 not out off 72 balls) as India took a 1-0 lead in the five match series, which is their last before the World Cup in May.
The pair put on 141 runs for the unbeaten fifth wicket after coming together on 99/4 in the 24th over.
“I would have tried to play my shots early but Dhoni asked me to bat till the end. Dhoni and Virat Kohli are the best chasers in the game, so I am just trying to learn from them.”Kedar Jadhav
The pint-sized Maharashtra all-rounder said that the team management has already specified him that he is their designated "finisher at No 6".
Jadhav has had multiple breakdown due to a dodgy hamstring which also included a near six month lay-off due to a surgery.
Twitter was also quick to appreciate Jadhav’s contribution both with the bat and the ball in the match.
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