Bengaluru: Ahead of the second Test against the West Indies, India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has said he will always try to “lift the reputation” of the team. He said this after being selected for the prestigious Arjuna Award.

The left-hander also thanked the Narendra Modi government for recognising him. Jadeja is among the 19 sportspersons who were presented with the Arjuna award this year.

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The awards were presented by President Ram Nath Kovind on the occasion of National Sports Day on Thursday (August 29). Deepa Malik was honoured with Khel Ratna, the highest sporting award in the country.

"First of all, I would like to thank the Government of India for honouring me with the Arjuna award. I would also like to congratulate the other winners as well. They've performed brilliantly in their fields," Jadeja said in a video message posted on the BCCI's Twitter handle.

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"My sincere effort always will be to lift the reputation of the Indian team and my country whenever I play for India. I will always try to win matches for the team and make the country proud." 

Jadeja missed the National Awards ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan as he is currently in the Caribbean islands with the national team.

India face West Indies in the second and final Test of the two-match series from today (August 30) in Kingston, Jamaica. The Virat Kohli-led team lead 1-0.