On the verge of achieving a major milestone, Ravindra Jadeja is on course to join Ashwin and Kapil Dev on the elusive list.
On the verge of achieving a major milestone, Ravindra Jadeja is on course to join Ashwin and Kapil Dev on the elusive list.
Ravindra Jadeja, the world’s top-ranked all-rounder, put up an incredible performance in the Test series opener in Mohali. He scored an unbeaten 175 and claimed nine wickets in Rohit Sharma’s debut Test after taking over as captain in all formats from Virat Kohli earlier this year. The left-match-winning hander’s effort was his finest in Test cricket, and figures of 5–41 and 4-46 in both innings contributed to Sri Lanka’s innings and 222-run defeat.
With 406 rating points, Jadeja surpassed fellow Indian Ravichandran Ashwin and the West Indies’ Jason Holder. As the series moves to Bengaluru for the pink-ball Test, Jadeja has the opportunity to add another feather to his cap.
Jadeja took nine wickets in Mohali, and if he repeats the feat and takes nine wickets in Bengaluru, he would become the third-fastest Indian to reach 250 Test wickets. When Jadeja hits the field on Saturday, he will play his 59th Test. Ashwin is the fastest to reach 250 Test wickets, having done it in 45 matches.
Anil Kumble, the legendary cricketer, is ranked second in the panel after reaching the milestone in 55 games. The next three names on the list are Bishan Bedi (60 Tests), Harbhajan Singh (61 Tests), and Kapil Dev (65 Tests).
Only four Indians – Kumble, Kapil, Harbhajan, and Ashwin – have scored over 2000 runs and taken 250 or more wickets in Test cricket. Jadeja will become the sixth Indian to be inducted into the prestigious club.
Additionally, Jadeja has a great track record on the Bengaluru strip. He has 17 wickets at a strike rate of 20.60 and an average of 8.88 in three matches. His 17 wickets are the third-most he has taken at any venue.
Jadeja has been outstanding since his return to the lineup after an extended layoff. He has 245 runs in four games (3 T20 Internationals and one Test) and has not been dismissed by a Sri Lankan bowler. He has also taken 11 wickets, the most in the T20I and Test series between the two countries.
Since his debut in 2012, the Saurashtra cricketer has played 58 Tests for India, amassing 2,370 runs at an average of 36.46 and claiming 241 wickets, including ten five-wicket innings. He has made two Test centuries but has also made three first-class triple hundreds, with the best score of 331 when batting at number four for his home team, Saurashtra.
According to new captain Rohit Sharma, Jadeja’s outstanding performance has earned him a place among the sport’s elite all-rounders. In his opinion, he is one of the best all-rounders,” Rohit told reporters after India’s historic Test victory. Rohit also said that he would want to see more of Jadeja’s batting in the future.
“Take note of the performances. Previously, when we played in India, his contribution with the bat lower down the order and his ability to pick up those vital wickets seemed to be adding a lot more to his game with each outing. He’s eager to score runs and contribute to the team’s success. We are all familiar with his bowling. Everybody is aware of his field. I’m hoping to have more opportunities to use his bat in the future.
