Ajay Jadeja slams Virat Kohli critics after star batter’s Perth heroics against Australia

Former Indian batter Ajay Jadeja slammed Virat Kohli’s critics after the talisman delivered in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. Kohli was under the pump before the all-important Test as he had scored only 93 runs in three Test matches against New Zealand.

The right-hander was dismissed for only five runs in the first innings however he played a fine knock of unbeaten 100 in the second essay to get back into form. This was Kohli’s 31st Test century and his seventh in the Australian conditions.

Jadeja said it is unfair to judge Kohli on the basis of one series and there should never be any doubt regarding his greatness.

Ajay Jadeja said on ANI, “The name itself says it all. If there were doubters, they can rest in peace now because geniuses aren’t born overnight. It takes years – it’s the solidity, it’s the perseverance, the commitment that you have seen over 15 years. People start judging sportsmen by one event or by one series. It just shows then that never to judge a genius.”

Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a blob in the first innings after he went for a booming drive. However, the left-hander scored a magnificent knock of 161 runs off 297 balls in the second essay to put India in the driver’s seat. Jadeja showered praise on the southpaw opening batter for his brilliant knock.

Jadeja said, “Imagine getting out on a duck first innings. It also shows you the power of sport that you never give up. You may have scored a zero. You now have scored 161. I just hope he keeps reminding himself and says, the zero could be around the corner, but he’s an amazing player. It’s been great to watch, and I think the journey that he’s had in his life is an inspirational story. I think it’s a long journey that he’s on and he’s had a great start.”

The second Test match between Australia and India, which will be a pink-ball game, will be played at Adelaide Oval from December 6 onwards.