IND vs SA: Ravindra Jadeja Says 'Probable' Series Loss No Bearing On Next Test Assignment, Says 'Even If We Aren't Winning...'

India vs South Africa: In a span of 13 months, the Indian Test side is likely to get whitewashed in a home series. It was a rare occurrence for an Indian Test side to lose a match, let alone lose a series. However, in November 2024, New Zealand earned a 3-0 whitewash, and currently, South Africa are on the verge of doing so. Reflecting on the probable series loss, Indian spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said that the expected series is unlikely to bear anything on India's next Test assignment in Sri Lanka in August next year. However, Jadeja insisted that forcing a draw in the second Test would be similar to securing a "win" for a young side.

South Africa have set India a target of 549 on a final day pitch, which has never been achieved before.

"I don't think it will affect the next series. But, as a cricketer, nobody wants to lose the series, especially in India. So, hopefully, we will try our best cricket. We will try to put our best foot forward tomorrow," Jadeja, who has a match-haul of seven wickets, told reporters at the end of the day's play.

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"Hopefully, we will try and save the Test match. So that, at least, I know even if we aren't winning the series at least, we are able to draw the match, which is going to be a win-win situation for us."

"If we lose with youngsters, it gets highlighted"

The home side features several of these young talents -- Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar -- all at the beginning stages of their Test careers.

"Look, the youngsters in the team, I think, they are in a learning phase. Their careers are starting. So, in international cricket, no matter what format you play, it's not easy. No matter what format you play, it's always a bit challenging."

But Jadeja pointed out that whenever a team loses at home, the inexperience of youngsters gets highlighted far more than when they win, which is often taken for granted.

"So, in India, when a situation like this happens, and you play 3-4 youngsters in the team, it feels like the whole team is young and inexperienced. And that gets highlighted.

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"But, when India wins in home condition, people think that it's not a big deal. But, if you lose a series in India, it becomes a very big deal.

"For a youngster, it's a learning phase. If they handle this situation well, they will mature as players. And, India's future will be better."

Inputs from PTI