From a specialist batsman to someone whose off-breaks are proving to be more than handy, Kedar Jadhav believes that the key to his transformation is accepting challenges and knowing how to overcome it.
Jadhav has bowled 18 overs in four games taking six wickets for 73 runs at a decent economy rate of 4.05.
"It's all about taking this responsibility and accepting the challenge that comes at you and then, coming out of the challenge successfully," Jadhav said.
Jadhav, who's playing in place of an indisposed Suresh Raina, bowled for the first time in international cricket when MS Dhoni gave him the ball ahead of the regular spin duo of Axar Patel and Amit Mishra on a seaming Dharamsala track in the first one-dayer.
"Here, you need to contribute if the captain is asking you to bowl (some) overs. You don't have to bowl (just) as a part-time bowler. You need to take the responsibility with the ball or bat," Jadhav said.
"I guess when you play for India, you have to contribute in every possible way you can. While playing in the IPl, I do that with wicketkeeping — by contributing rather than batting," Jadhav said.
Jadhav who got out for a duck in the fourth ODI in Ranchi is yet to click as a batsman and he said he's to learn quickly. Youngster Manish Pandey too is missing among runs and Jadhav said they would have to get into their act soon.
"Obviously, the opportunity has been missed, especially in the last game. But it's still early stages for Manish (Pandey) and me. We need to grab whatever opportunity is thrown at us. We need to learn quickly from the opportunities we have missed. That's what international cricket is all about -- delivering when it matters most to the team."
Southee remains optimistic
Having turned the tables after a shoddy show in the Test series, New Zealand speedster Tim Southee is confident that the Black Caps will be scripting history by winning their first ever bilateral ODI series in India.
"I think the guys are pretty excited to do what no other NZ side has ever done before — come over here and win a one-day series. The excitement in the group is very high," the New Zealand pacer said.
India-New Zealand bilateral rivalry dates back to 1988 when the Dilip Vengsarkar-led team made a clean 4-0 sweep against John Wright and Co.
"Everyone is really looking forward to tomorrow. It's been a long tour for some guys and it'll be nice to finish what's been a tough tour on a high note. The spirits are high and everyone is excited about the challenge for tomorrow," Southee added.
Asked about their assessment of the Visakhapatnam wicket, he said they are confident to take a horses for courses approach.
"Kane and (coach) Mike will look at the wicket and they'll come up with the best side they think suited for the wicket," he said.