Ravindra Jadeja (Source: ANI)
Over the years, the Indian all-rounders have always been a treat to watch as their twin brilliance often puts the opponent into a tough spot. But when it comes to the fiercest all-rounder across formats, one name stands tall above the rest- Ravindra Jadeja, whose consistency turned heads over the years.
After a long absence, Ravindra Jadeja is finally back in India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka series. But just four years ago, against the same opponent, he brought his best all-round performance, and let’s recall the iconic moment before the upcoming series begins.
A Fearless 175* Puts Sri Lanka On The Back Foot
Whenever Ravindra Jadeja rolls up his sleeves, cricket fans across the globe remain excited to witness the classic spin magic, with the iconic subtle variation in speed. But his threat extends far beyond the ball, as Sri Lanka discovered the hard way in 2022 when his explosive batting brilliance proved equally devastating.
Facing the visitors in the first Test of the two-match Test series in Mohali, Jadeja played one of the best innings of his career. While batting first, Team India had a steady start, but the rhythm was interrupted when the Sri Lankan bowlers secured some quick scalps. When the Men in Blue were standing on 228/5, Ravindra Jadeja walked in.
With Rishabh Pant already settled at the other end, the Pant-Jadeja partnership provided India with the crucial momentum they desperately needed. The Sri Lankan bowlers tried hard to dominate the host, but Jadeja crafted a crucial half-century in 87 deliveries.
After Pant walked away after stitching a classic 104-run partnership with Jadeja, the Indian all-rounder tightened his grip. After scoring an exceptional ton in just 160 balls, Jadeja never looked back and smashed an outstanding 150.
As Jadeja was smashing it all over the ground, the Sri Lankan bowlers were scratching their heads to get rid of this humiliation. After Team India declared the innings, Jadeja remained unbeaten on 175 runs, bringing T20I thrills in the Test format.
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A Fifer Followed By A Four-Fer Shows Jadeja’s Fury
Sri Lanka was already humbled by Jadeja’s fury explosion with the bat, but the all-rounder was yet to showcase his unreal spin web. As the visitors came to bat, he marked his first blood, removing captain Dimuth Karunaratne for just 28 runs. However, after that breakthrough, the crafty spinner had to wait a little longer before claiming his next victim.
Coming back to attack in the 61st over, he removed Suranga Lakmal for a duck before removing Lasith Embuldeniya three overs later. He then turned the screw in the 67th over, claiming Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Kumara off successive deliveries.
With that, Sri Lanka’s innings ended in 174, and Jadeja registered a stunning fifer while conceding just 41 runs in 13 overs. After being forced to follow on, Sri Lanka might have thought of a mighty comeback, but Ravindra Jadeja was not fully done with the destruction.
After removing Dhananjaya de Silva in the 33rd over, he dismissed Angelo Matthews for 28 runs. He then removed Suranga Lakmal for a duck before dismissing Lasith Embuldeniya to complete a brilliant four-wicket haul.
With a century, a fifer and a four-wicket haul, Ravindra Jadeja had a dream outing in the Mohali Test against Sri Lanka. Making the most of home conditions, the Indian all-rounder showcased his complete skill set as India stormed to a massive innings-and-222-run victory.
Jadeja Is Back, And Fans Brace For Another Rampage
After the Test exits of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Team India is navigating a new era, but the experience of senior campaigners remains crucial. Over the last few months, Ravindra Jadeja has been absent in the iconic blue jersey, but now, he is all set for a mighty comeback.
As Shubman Gill’s India is all set to face Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series next month, the seasoned all-rounder is back in the squad. Over the years, Ravindra Jadeja has had several memorable outings against Sri Lanka, and as he is coming back to the Indian side, fans are eagerly waiting for another miraculous show.
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