The ‘Sword Man’ Ravindra Jadeja
When asked, what about him impressed you? Chennai Super Kings coach, captain, and a teammate had these to say. For Fleming the coach, it was his mental strength, the ability to keep the play simple. Dhoni the captain, highlighted his self-awareness and self-belief. For Watson, the teammate, who is so engrossed about the technique behind hitting was in awe of his power hitting and amazed by his consistent success.
This is Ravindrasinh Anirudhsinh Jadeja, more commonly known as Ravindra Jadeja. An all-rounder, who bats as a left-handed middle-order batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler. Being born on 6 December 1988 in a Gujarati Rajput family, His father was a watchman and his mother a nurse in a government hospital.
Jadeja started playing cricket before the age of 10, His first mentor was Mahendrasinh Chauhan, though not a qualified coach. Whom he meets when he joined Cricket bungalow. A bare field with a small building, which was where he learned the game.
He was picked in the Indian squad of the 2006 u-19 world cup, where he played an important role in the tournament taking 10 wickets in 6 games at an average of 13. Jadeja made his first-class debut with West Zone in the Duleep trophy and Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy.
He became the eight-player in history and the first Indian player to score three first-class triple centuries in 2012, joining a list of legends that included Don Bradman and Brian Lara. His first was against Orissa, then Gujarat, and finally against Railways in December 2012, in which he scored 331 runs of 501 balls. Achieving this milestone at the mere age of 23 years.
The 32-year old made his debut in One Day International Cricket against Sri Lanka as he impressed the selector in the 2008-09 Ranji season with his all-round show claiming 42 wickets and scoring 739 runs. He impressed in his debut scoring 60 of 77 balls, although India lost the match.
After his impressive performances in Ranji, scoring two 300+ scores in 4 matches in the 2012-2013 season, he was selected to make his test debut against England at Nagpur where he bowled 70 overs and claiming the figures 117-3.
It was for the World T20 in England in 2009, we see the beginning of a new and improved Jadeja. Captain M.S. Dhoni promoted the then 20-year-old Jadeja in a chase of 154 against England at Lord’s. Being skinny back then, Jadeja could neither time the ball nor muscle it away.
If anyone was asked what Jadeja is as a cricketer, they would tell: Fielder first, bowler next, and batsman last. Jadeja struggled on the crease, eventually scoring only 25 of 35. Blamed for the loss against England which meant India was out of the World Cup before knockouts. And thus became a villain in the eyes of every Indian cricket fan.
Over the next year, Jadeja spends time reinventing himself. Before the 2010 IPL season, As Jadeja responded to an approach by Mumbai Indians, he was accused of violating the IPL rules and got slapped with a one-year ban.
It was then in 2012, Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings picked him up for 14 crores at the auction and got themselves a stronger and improved Jadeja, From here on Jadeja repaid the faith shown by Dhoni, also his national team captain going on to put strong performances and winning back the hearts and minds of the cricketing nation.
Playing Style
The star all-rounder is often seen as a power hitter in the lower middle order of Team India, but very easily adapts his batting to the needs of the team. Need a late push for a big score or patiently build partnerships, Jadeja is your man. Having the ability to hit a spot with relentless accuracy and unerring aim, His blowing is also equally a standout feature. He can get through his overs before the batsmen know it.
He is also widely popular for his fielding skills, often seen as one of the best fielders in the cricketing world. Near or far, the batsmen always have to vary a run out if the ball is hit towards Jadeja. Over the years, He has also saved many runs for Team India with his effective fielding. All in all, a true all-rounder in every aspect of the game.
Awards and Achievements
Nicknamed ‘Sir Jadeja’, He has gone on to create records and achieve many different awards and accolades. Jadeja became the third Indian to score 2,000 runs and pick up 150 wickets in ODI’s. Ranking as high as 2nd in ICC’s top 10 test all-rounders in 2018.
Being awarded the Madhavrao Scindia Award for claiming the most wickets in the Ranji trophy season of 2008-09, Being ranked the No.1 Bowler in ODI cricket in 2013 are just some of his achievements to name a few.
