'You Have to Take 20 Wickets' - Ravindra Jadeja responds to England coach's bold claim

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja did not hold back when asked about England spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel's confident statement claiming the hosts had a "100 percent" chance of winning the second Test. Jadeja, who played a pivotal role with the bat, responded bluntly by stating that performance on the field, not words in a press conference, determines the outcome. He emphasized that taking 20 wickets is what truly matters in Test cricket.

The exchange came after the end of Day 2 of the second Test, where India looked dominant thanks to a mammoth first-innings total of 587. The charge was led by skipper Shubman Gill, who compiled a majestic 269 off 387 balls, striking 30 boundaries and clearing the ropes thrice. His innings dismantled an inexperienced English attack and gave India a commanding position in the match.

England, in reply, stumbled early as Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc with the new ball. The visitors reduced the hosts to 34/3 by removing Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Zak Crawley cheaply. A brief recovery was mounted by Joe Root and Harry Brook, who stitched an unbeaten 52-run stand to take England to 77/3 at stumps.

Jadeja’s Sharp Response, Patel’s Unwavering Belief

Jeetan Patel remained unshaken in his optimism despite England’s precarious position. “100 percent. I've said this many a time in front of all of you, and you keep laughing at me. But we'll go back in there, and we'll have a quick chat about how the day's gone and what we might look forward to for tomorrow,” Patel said confidently after Day 2’s play.

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Jadeja, who scored a crucial 89, had a pointed take on Patel’s assertion. “In a press conference, you can talk about whatever you want; that is none of my business. You have to go out there, perform, and take those 20 wickets. That is what matters,” he remarked, underlining the importance of execution over empty talk.

Patel, however, put his faith in Root and Brook, stating, “We've got two of the greatest batters in the world at the crease at the moment, and hopefully they'll go back in tomorrow, and they really nestle in, and really question what could be a good day's cricket for England.” He added, “I just think we'll find another way to do it… and the belief they have in how they want to go and play the game.”