IND vs AUS: Team India discloses Ravindra Jadeja’s use of painkilling cream amid controversy

Upon viewing the video of an alleged ball-tampering incident, reports state that match referee Pycroft questioned the Indian captain and Jadeja.
In the midst of a ball-tampering controversy on social media, the Indian team management—including Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja—told match referee Andy Pycroft that the left-arm spinner had been using a pain-relieving lotion. After Jadeja was spotted vigorously rubbing something onto his left index finger during his bowling routine, the discussion heated up.

The video showing Ravindra Jadeja rubbing an unknown substance on Mohammed Siraj’s left index finger after wiping it off the back of his hand generated a media frenzy. There were rumours, including inquiries from retired cricket players about whether Jadeja was using the drug to change the ball’s condition.

However, according to ESPNcricinfo, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has told match official Andy Pycroft that the left-arm spinner was applying a painkilling cream on his index finger. According to reports, Pycroft questioned the Indian captain and Jadeja after viewing the contentious video of the supposed ball-tampering incident.
The Indian bowling prodigy had already removed players like Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, and Steve Smith at the time of the incident. The much-maligned event occurred during the left-arm spinner’s 16th over of the day, and calluses from holding the ball are typical for spinners.

On that finger, he likely has a cut or a blister: Steven Clarke

Michael Clarke, a former Australian captain, commented on the situation and felt that the Indian spinner had not acted unfairly. To avoid any accusations, he believed that Jadeja ought to have given the ball to the umpire before putting the cream on his finger.

He bowls so frequently that he probably has a cut or blister on that finger. He ought to have handed the umpire the ball and watched as he put it on his finger while standing in front of the official. I don’t believe there will be any comments raised if he throws the ball to the umpire and does that. On the Big Sports Breakfast, Clarke remarked, “It’s simply the perception.