When will Jadeja get back his groove?

If the Indian ODI team is on show, you can bet Ravindra Jadeja is not too far away. Since his debut in 2009, he has played 65% of the team's matches. Besides being a familiar sight, Jadeja is a recognisable one too. The minute his name pops up, the swirly 'tache and the bold tattoos spring to mind. IPL riches, check. Giving Twitter a workout, check. Part-time restauranteur, check. Self-confidence twice the size of Eden Gardens, che- actually, hold on that.

There is nothing like an injury to leech on self-belief. Jadeja sustained one on his left shoulder in December 2014 and though his rehabilitation had been managed well enough for him to feature in the World Cup, physical recovery does not erase mental scars.

Australia's Michael Clarke contemplated his Test career ending with the Adelaide Test last summer after a recurrence of his hamstring problem. England's Craig Kieswetter did indeed end his career citing diminished performances as a result of taking a bouncer to the face in June 2014.

For Jadeja, who relies on accuracy more than anything else, the slightest disturbance of equilibrium can create an issue. He is often used as a tourniquet to stop the runs at one end and lure the batsman into making a mistake. If that doesn't pan out, the strength of that shoulder will be tested when he resorts to those darts.

A few balls falling in the wrong area wakes the doubts. A wicketless stretch breeds frustration. Helplessness follows if runs are leaked simultaneously. When reasons are hard to come by, placing the blame on the injury appears logical. And if things do not get better, the more you practice, the less right you feel.

Jadeja bowled out only six times in IPL 2015. He cost more than eight an over seven times. He is normally hidden when left-handers are on, and will be wary that Bangladesh have an excellent one in Shakib Al Hasan, a dangerous one in Tamim Iqbal and a promising one in Soumya Sarkar.

The Indian camp, though, said the worst has passed, and that Jadeja was already getting in touch with his old bravado.

"He did a decent job in the IPL," captain MS Dhoni said. "I felt even in the World Cup, he did a good job for us. Definitely if you come after an injury, especially if it's a shoulder injury, you tend to think a bit about it if it's your bowling arm. I feel he has got more and more confidence about that. Getting out of injury, we have seen a lot of improvement. So hopefully we will continue with it."

It appeared business as usual too at the nets prior to the first ODI against Bangladesh. Jadeja slowly built up towards match intensity and concentrated on flighting the ball. He beat a charging Dhoni and kept it full despite Shikhar Dhawan lashing drives like he was honour bound not to let the spinner settle. There was one that slipped out of the hand and nestled on top of the net. Sweaty palms. Not quite a symptom of nerves as much as a humid day.

Jadeja the batsman indicated the truth behind Dhoni's words. His first shot was an unrestrained pull. He cut R Ashwin and drilled Axar Patel down the ground. He was beaten by the seamers, but after recalibrating his settings, he began using their pace to his advantage.

He will need to be as punchy considering there is some competition for the No. 7 slot in limited-overs cricket. Axar offers exactly the same as Jadeja does - except for the lack of experience. Stuart Binny could get a few matches at some point considering his seam-ups can become an asset in England, where the Champions Trophy will be held. Then in Tests, Jadeja will need to prove himself as a wicket taker to figure in India's five-bowler strategy.

It wasn't that long ago that Jadeja was dressed in the widest smile, whitest clothes, bat swirling madly and in broad view at Lord's and its bemused Members as he celebrated the most outrageous half-century. How long will it be before we see that Jadeja again?