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Everyone has to pull in on the same day: Jadeja

Stand-in India captain Ajay Jadeja is hoping that his team plays to its full potential and shows consistency in the four-nation Nairobi one-day tournament, beginning from September 24.

On the eve of the team's departure for Nairobi today, Jadeja said: "India has lost its grip on matches due to lack of concerted effort. In Nairobi, India is playing against the world's most consistent one-day team - South Africa, Zimbabwe, which is full of surprises, and an improving Kenya. To beat them every one has to pull in on the same day."

He added: "India has bowlers and batsmen on par with others but all do not shine on the same day."

The Haryana allrounder said a solid team effort is now required since master batsman Sachin Tendulkar is not part of the team.

He expressed happiness over India's triumph in the Toronto tournament despite the absence of Tendulkar, Javagal Srinath, Mohammad Azharuddin and himself, and lauded the achievement of Saurav Ganguly, who led the team. "I can now look forward to some advice from Ganguly in tight situations," he said.

Jadeja said he is happy with the allround strength of his team, particularly Nikhil Chopra's development as an effective off-spinner and Debashish Mohanty's supportive role as a seamer. However, he said he's "not sure who the conditions will favour in the eastern part of Africa".

India will be playing its first official one-day tournament there.

Jadeja had missed the latter part of the Singapore tournament and the Toronto trip due to a hamstring injury but was declared fit to lead.

The Indian team has two rookies in middle order Uttar Pradesh batsman Mohammad Kaif and Karnataka batsman Vijay Bhardwaj. Both were members of India's 'A' team for the series against Australia 'A' in Los Angeles.

India take on Kenya on September 25, South Africa on September 26 and Zimbabwe on September 28. The final is slated for October 3.

UNI