The statement suggests that Ravindra Jadeja’s patient batting approach has been fruitful for him, particularly in overseas matches.
The sentry at the gate of The Rajkumar College in Rajkot proudly announces Ravindra Jadeja’s name, highlighting the cricketer’s absence from the institution despite its prestigious alumni, including Ranjitsinghji, Duleepsinhji, and Ajay Jadeja.
As the sun sets and the college closes for the day, the guard, reflecting on Ravindra Jadeja’s humble background, proudly asserts, “He is like us.” Despite not hailing from a royal lineage like many alumni, Jadeja, born to a nurse and a security guard in a one-room government flat, has earned the endearing nickname “Bapu,” a term typically reserved for kings and revered leaders. While some may refer to Axar Patel with the same nickname, those around the guard adamantly insist that “Jadeja is Bapu, not Axar.”
Despite facing criticism both on and off the field, Ravindra Jadeja, affectionately known as “Bapu” by his fans, has a history of silencing his detractors with stellar performances. While his father’s recent controversial interview stirred up controversy, Jadeja stood by his wife, who is emerging as a prominent politician within the ruling party BJP. Supporters remain confident in Jadeja’s abilities, citing his success on the cricket field and his wife’s political career as evidence of his accomplishments. As conversation shifts to lighter topics like the best Kathiawadi cuisine in the city, Jadeja’s resilience and popularity among the people remain unwavering.
While Jadeja enjoys significant support and success, there are challenges he faces on the cricket field. Lately, his performance with both bat and ball hasn’t been as impactful as before. Additionally, he’s been involved in unexpected mishaps, like being run-out in unusual circumstances, as seen in a match against Ben Stokes. These challenges indicate a need for Jadeja to reassess his strategies and regain his previous form on the field.
Jadeja’s recent dip in batting form is intriguing, especially considering his ambition to establish himself as a reliable Test batsman, which led to his selection as the sole spinner in overseas conditions. In 2018, during a crucial tour of England, Jadeja showcased remarkable improvement in his batting skills. He displayed greater compactness, improved shot selection, a heightened awareness of his off stump, and a better understanding of how to construct innings effectively.
It appears that Jadeja’s refined batting approach, which served him well abroad, may be hindering him at home, where his natural flamboyance could be more effective, particularly against England and in the absence of Rishabh Pant. With India’s lower order being strong, Jadeja’s contribution becomes crucial, as demonstrated in the last series against Australia, where players like Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jadeja compensated for the middle order’s failures.
ainst England’s different style of play compared to Australia’s, Jadeja may need to adapt his approach. While Axar Patel attempted to play aggressively in both games against England and managed to score runs, he fell victim to soft dismissals. Ravichandran Ashwin, on the other hand, appears to be adopting a more positive approach in his recent innings. Jadeja, however, may still be confident in his patient batting style, considering his past success with it.
India will rely more on Jadeja’s bowling to make an impact. Unlike in the past, England’s batting lineup isn’t as vulnerable to spin, and India’s own batting insecurities have led to meticulous pitch preparation. Rahul Dravid’s frequent inspections of the pitch have become a common sight during the Tests. So far, Jadeja and other spinners haven’t had the luxury of bowling on excessively turning tracks.
“I don’t feel the need to boast about my hard work every day. Instead, I prefer to showcase my horse riding on social media because it’s something unique. Koi kar hi nahi saktha! [No one else can do it!] ” he once told this newspaper.
It’s time for Jadeja to rediscover his bowling form, and fortunately, he can kickstart it at his home ground where he has taken numerous wickets in domestic cricket. Whenever he was sidelined from the Indian team, it’s here that he made a comeback with impressive performances, often securing five-wicket hauls. He’s familiar with the ideal length, trajectory, pace, and trickery required on these pitches. While Jasprit Bumrah has shone as the best bowler in the series so far, it’s now time for a spinner to step up and counter Bazball. Perhaps, it’s Bapu’s turn.
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