For someone who’s played nearly 200 ODIs and 70 test matches, Ravindra Jadeja often flies a bit under the radar and is not talked about as much as some of India’s other cricketing superstars. A left-hand bat, cunning left arm orthodox bowler and absolute gun in the field, the “Rockstar” from India is the perfect package and a captain’s dream. Dare I say, he walks into most playing XIs on any given day!
Numbers at a Glance
Sir Jadeja, as he is known all over, has an admirable record in both test and one day cricket. With 275 Test wickets and 218 ODI wickets, Jadeja is more than a handful on tracks that offer even a little bit to spinners. Add to that his pinpoint accuracy and ability to bowl quickly ensures that he never gives the batters an opportunity to run away with the game.
An average above 30, walking in at 6 or 7 and about 3000 runs in both formats, he is no mug with the bat either and especially over the years, has started holding his own and been a vital contributor in partnerships lower down the order.
Why Jaddu is Quintessential to India’s chances at the World Cup
In the absence of Hardik Pandya, Jadeja is now India’s prime X-factor according to me. He will be a menace with the ball, especially bowling in tandem with Kuldeep or even Shami. With a bowling average of 26 and 25 wickets in 18 games going under 4.5 runs per over, it is safe to say that Jaddu is a vital cog in India’s middle overs.
With the bat too, despite limited outings in the tournament, he has helped India successfully close out games and is pretty much the final wall of defense before oppositions break into the tail. His batting average isn’t bad either, averaging 35 and more importantly, striking those runs at a strike rate of 114!
His form and performance will definitely hold the potential to determine the results of upcoming games for India.
Keeping all this in mind, it is safe to say that Jadeja is going to play a very important role in the upcoming games for India. Even if he does not get a chance with the bat (that would be ideal), just the fact that he provides solidity in the lower order will provide enough confidence to the top order to go for it right from the start!