Read a rumour that I was dead: Ravindra Jadeja not perturbed by chatter, focused on delivering for India

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said on Tuesday, August 30 that he is not paying heed to rumours being floated him in the cricket fraternity and that he is focused on delivering big for the country in the Asia Cup and the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Speaking to the press on the eve of their second Group A match against Hong Kong in Dubai, Ravindra Jadeja conceded that he is aware of the recent rumours that is being circulated about him, adding he also read reports that suggested that he was ruled out of the T20 World Cup after a rib injury forced him to withdraw from IPL 2022 midway during the tournament.

Speculation about Ravindra Jadeja's IPL future is rife after the all-rounder had a forgettable season with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2022. Jadeja was appointed captain 2 days before the start of the season but he stepped down midway through the tournament, handing over the reigns back to MS Dhoni.

Jadeja returned to competitive action in the Southampton Test against England and has been delivering consistently for India ever since.

"You have mentioned a very minor example (of a rumour) that I won't be available for the World Cup. In between, there was a rumour that I had died. It can't get bigger than this. I don't think about all these (rumours). I focus on going to the ground, playing and performing well for the country," Jadeja said on Tuesday.

"I want to improve on whatever is needed to perform well for my team. That's it. Day in and day out, I practice bowling, batting and fielding," he added.

NOT THINKING TOO FAR AHEAD

Furthermore, Jadeja said India are focused on taking it one day at a time after having started their Asia Cup campaign with a 5-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Jadeja played a key role, hitting a crucial 35 off just 29 balls after having walked in at No.4 after India opted to play Dinesh Karthik ahead of Rishabh Pant in the XI.

Jadeja said India are keen on doing well in the T20 World Cup but the focus is on the upcoming match against Hong Kong and then the Super 4s at the moment.

"We will look to play positive cricket and try and give our best in each game. We will focus on getting out job done in each game. We will think too far ahead until the World Cup. We are here, we will look to play against Hong Kong. After that, we will see which team we will play against," Jadeja added.

India will be assured of a spot in the Super 4s if they beat Hong Kong on Wednesday. India have played the minnows twice in Asia Cup and won both matches.