Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who played a crucial role during his side's 2-1 Test series win over Australia, on Tuesday said that he is extremely glad to be the No.1 Test bowler in the world before admitting that he has also developed as a player overall.
Jadeja, who was declared the Man of the Match as well as the Man of the Series for his all-rounder performance throughout the four-match Test series win, claimed four wickets overall and contributed 63 runs during his side's eight-wicket win over Australia in the final match in Dharamsala.
After reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy , Jadeja said,"Very good to be the No. 1 Test bowler world right now. And being part of this champion Test side. When I batted, I was thinking to take my time and then Matthew Wade chirped from behind. That motivated me. If I can respond to him with runs, it will be great. Coaches and captain have been telling me I have the skill to bat long. I developed as a player overall.
Jadeja, who revealed that some time ago he was not looked at as a Test bowler, said that he was happy to hit back at his critics with a stellar domestic season.
The left-armer insisted that he was also pleased to maintain pressure from both ends with off-spinner R Ashwin.
"Some time ago people didn't consider me a Test bowler. This season is a good response to them. Ashwin and I maintained pressure from both ends. The variation of offspinner and left-arm spinner also works well. Hopefully we can continue this outside India too. I will try to get to a hundred next time, and celebrate with two bats as swords," he added.
Jadeja scored a total of 127 runs and contributed 25 wickets in four Tests he played against the Steve Smith-led side during the series.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content