Good run in IPL will help me perform well in England: Jadeja

Durban:

Ravindra Jadeja is on seventh heaven these days after getting selected in the 15-man India squad for the ICC World Twenty20 and feels a good run in the Indian Premier League will help him do better in the biennial event to be held in England this June.

"I am excited but my Rajasthan Royals teammates have asked me to concentrate on the remaining matches of the Indian Premier League," said Jadeja.

"I think a good run here will certainly help me perform better in England. Everyone knows IPL is a good platform to prepare," said the all-rounder from Saurashtra.

The 20-year-old, who scored 60 in his lone ODI appearance for the senior team against Sri Lanka this February, is happy that his hard work has paid off.

"I think I am fortunate that my hard work has been noticed. I will get an opportunity to represent my country in the world championship," the Rajasthan Royals player told IPL's official website.

Royals skipper Shane Warne has been effusive in his praise of Jadeja.

"We identified him as a special talent straight away. Jadeja is a special kid. He played last year, did enough but he's had another year of experience," the leg-spin great had said.

Talking about Warne, Jadeja admitted he has been a great inspiration.

"Shane had told me long time back that I will play for India. In fact he had said so during the first season of IPL itself," Jadeja said.

"He asked me not to think about it too much and concentrate on the next match here. He says if we get the basics right, everything else will fall in place. Shane has very high expectations from me and I know that I will justify that."

Besides Jadeja, Royals have another reason to cheer with explosive batsman Yusuf Pathan also making it to the India squad for the World Twenty20.

"Yusuf bhai has been very supportive. I am delighted for him also. He has a simple approach towards the game. And we both making it into the T20 squad is a great thing for Rajasthan Royals," said Jadeja.