Ravindra Jadeja’s fighting knock went in vain as India slumped to an 18-run defeat against New Zealand in the semi-final of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Jadeja almost single-handedly led India to victory before his dismissal at a crucial juncture titled the game towards the Blackcaps. His wife Rivaba Solanki has now revealed that the all-rounder was shattered after the defeat and was inconsolable. Ravindra Jadeja Created This Record During his Fighting 77 Knock vs New Zealand in CWC 2019 Semi-Final.

Jadeja scored a smashing 77 runs off just 59 deliveries, which comprised of four fours and four sixes, and stitched a 100-run partnership with MS Dhoni (50) to rescue India from a stuttering 92-6 situation. But their efforts proved futile as both departed within four balls of each other to leave India starring at a defeat in the semis.

“He was inconsolable after the loss and kept saying, ‘if I wouldn’t have got out, we could’ve won". When you lose a match after coming this close, it really hurts and it will be a while before he comes to terms with it,” she told Bombay Times.

He always performs when the team is in trouble and had rescued the team on many occasions, the cricketer’s wife further informed.

“If you look at his journey, he has always performed in crunch games, taking wickets and scoring vital runs. When we won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, he was the Man of the Match in the final for his all-round performance,” added Rivaba.

Meanwhile, Jadeja was among India’s top performer in the semi-final loss to India. Not only did he star with the bat but was also very active in the field. His brilliant direct throw from the square removed Ross Taylor (74), who was just starting to snatch the game away from India. Taylor was the top-scorer for the Kiwis. Jadeja also took a terrific catch to remove Tom Latham.

“Sports has taught me to keep on rising after every fall & never to give up. Can’t thank enough each & every fan who has been my source of inspiration. Thank you for all your support. Keep inspiring & I will give my best till my last breath. Love you all.” Tweeted Jadeja after India’s ouster.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 14, 2019 06:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).