IND vs PAK 2022: “Yeh mere book ke bahar wala question hai” - Ravindra Jadeja’s witty reply to query on Rishabh Pant’s absence from Asia Cup 2022 clash against Pakistan 

Team India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja came up with a quirky response to a question on Rishabh Pant’s absence from the playing XI for the match against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday (August 28). He quipped that it was an "out of syllabus" query for him.

The Indian think tank took a massive call to drop Pant in favor of Dinesh Karthik for the high-voltage clash versus arch-rivals Pakistan. It was a move that was received with mixed responses among the Indian cricket fraternity.

The debate over the decision took a backseat following India’s impressive five-wicket win over Pakistan. India will now face Hong Kong on Wednesday, August 31.

In a press conference ahead of the match, Jadeja was asked about the logic behind the decision to drop Pant. He replied:

“I have no idea about it. Yeh mere book ke bahar wala question hai (This is an out of syllabus question for me).”

In Pant’s absence, Jadeja was promoted to the No. 4 slot during India’s chase of 148 against Pakistan. The all-rounder asserted that he was ready for the challenge, knowing he was the only left-handed batter in the top seven. He elaborated:

“Sometimes, when a left-arm spinner is bowling, it is easier to send in a left-hander. He can take that chance. I was the only one (left-hander) in the top seven in the last game. Somewhere, I knew such a situation would arise. I was preparing myself mentally for it. Luckily, I managed to score some crucial runs for the team.”

Jadeja scored 35 off 29 balls and featured in a fifth-wicket stand of 52 with fellow all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

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“It gives you confidence when you perform under pressure” - Ravindra Jadeja

During the press conference, the versatile cricketer was asked if there is any additional pressure on all-rounders to deliver the goods. He responded:

“Pressure is always there. As long as you play for India, that pressure will never go away. But yes, an all-rounder has to take responsibility in both batting and bowling. It gives you confidence when you perform under pressure.”

Jadeja bowled two overs for 11 runs against Pakistan without claiming a wicket. But his batting effort was significant as India had stumbled to 89 for four at one stage.