India off late is confident of going in with just 5 specialist batsmen outside the sub-continent. It is something they have never done before the turn of the decade. If they are doing it now, ofcourse both Kohli & Shastri must be credited for transformational thinking, it is because of the batsman called Ravindra Jadeja. The consistency that Jadeja has shown over the last 4-5 years is outstanding. This blog is about Jadeja the batsman who transformed himself.
Jadeja always had potential. Remember, he has scored three triple hundreds in the Ranji Trophy. Granted that they were on the feather beds of Saurashtra and the bowling standards in Ranji Trophy is not that high. Nevertheless, to score one triple hundred is tough but to score three, surely, the batsman must have some quality in him. Jadeja possessed that quality. However, when he made his debut for India against England at Nagpur, it wasn’t for his batting. It was for his bowling and the perception that he can contribute with the bat.
Good support for Ashwin
Though he succeeded with the bat only intermittently, his bowling was too good to handle for a majority of the batsmen albeit in India. He proved an ideal foil for Ashwin. Hence, in India and in favourable conditions, he played as the second spinner behind Ashwin. However, every now and then, he showcased his potential with the bat. The onslaught against Anderson in 2014 at Lords is a prime example. It ensured that India won that test quite comfortably. However, it did not change the perception that he is primarily a bowler who if the mood takes on, can bat as well. Consistency with the bat or the lack of it was the main concern. Things however, began to change for Jadeja.
The start of Jadeja the batsman
The year 2018 proved to be a watershed year for Jadeja. It was the year when Jadeja the batsman came off age. The 80-odd that he scored against England at The Oval was the beginning of Jadeja’s transformation. It was a well paced innings with most of the runs scored batting with the tail. With a little bit of luck and support from the rest of the batsmen, Jadeja may have even gained lead in that game. This innings was followed by his very first test hundred against West Indies at Rajkot. Both the knocks signified that Jadeja the batsman has arrived on the big stage.
Even better year
The year 2019 was even better. There were multiple 50s and he ended that year averaging more than 60. Any specialist batsman will be pleased with such an average at the end of the year. During this time, he also contributed with the ball and thereby becoming the most valuable player of the team.
It became clear that overseas, Jadeja is the preferred spinner. Not so much for his wicket taking ability but for his batting ability. Around this time, he was bothered by frequent injuries. So much so that he missed a lot of games. One such tour was the Australian tour of 2020 when he broke a finger during the ODIs. He missed 3 of the 4 tests and had to leave mid-tour but not before he played a vital hand in India winning at Melbourne. He formed a partnership with Rahane that proved that he is not afraid of pace or bounce.
2021 England tour
Before the start of the England tour in 2021, there were lot of discussions in the media of whether Ashwin or Jadeja should be the lone spinner with a lot more tilting towards Ashwin because of his so-called variety. However, the team management of Shastri and Kohli were clear in their minds. They needed Jadeja to be the 6th batsman and take advantage of a 5th day wearing wicket if there were any. He played his part perfectly. Though big scores avoided him, he did play some significant knocks including a vital 40 at Lords that ensured that the team did not waste a wonderful start given by Rohit and Rahul. He formed decent partnerships throughout the tour.
2022 England test
Jadeja’s stocks have risen so high that it is no longer Ashwin or Jadeja. Jadeja has now become the default choice for number 6 and Ashwin is left fighting for a spot with Shardul. The innings at Edgbaston once and for all proved that Jadeja the batsman is here to stay. India were tottering at 98/5 and in walks Jadeja.
A record partnership of 222 ensued. Pant hogged all the limelight with his stroke filled hundred but Jadeja’s contribution wasn’t less significant. He allowed Pant to bat the way he wanted and kept his part of the bargain intact. The English were powerless to dislodge Jadeja. While Pant’s knock was full of audacious shots, Jadeja’s was serene. Him being a stroke maker, it would have been difficult for him to restrain himself after watching Pant at the other end. That he did, showed how mature has he become. He refused to match Pant and displayed lot of composure when he left balls alone. Broad, who is usually good against left-handers had to find other amenities for wickets. He will remember this hundred for the rest of his life. It came against England in their own country where Indian batsmen have traditionally struggled.
“I’m feeling really good, to do it outside India, especially in England to hit a hundred as a player is a really big thing. I can really take some confidence in myself as a player from this, to score a hundred in England, in swinging conditions, so yeah it feels really good. In England you have play close to the body. The ball swings here so if you look to play the cover- or square-drive there is a chance you can edge to the cordon. My focus was to initially not play at too many balls outside off-stump.
Anderson’s compliment
Anderson who has had his share of run-ins against Jadeja in the past has appreciated the changed Jadeja
“In the past he was coming at 8, bat with the tail so he had to chance his arm a little bit,” Anderson said, “whereas now at 7 he can bat like a proper batter. He leaves really well and made it difficult for us.”
Conclusion to Jadeja the batsman who transformed himself
That Jadeja is a gifted stroke-maker is known to everyone but this new Jadeja is making heads turn. The only problem is that he took too long to arrive and with advancing age, he will have to make up for lost time. Just like how he has improved his batting, if he provides vital breakthrough when playing outside the sub-continent, that will be the perfect icing on the cake.