Amid the spotlight on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja has once again flown under the radar, as usual.
Ravindra Jadeja Enjoys Brief Captaincy While Eyes Remain on World Cup
For a brief 15 minutes from 1:20 PM on Saturday, Ravindra Jadeja captained the Indian Test team at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. With Shubman Gill having retired to the showers after his fifth century in seven Tests, Jadeja, appointed vice-captain ahead of the two-match series, finally got his moment in his 87th Test, albeit as a stand-in captain.
Yet captaincy is not Ravindra Jadeja’s ultimate dream. By his own admission, he stopped chasing that goal long ago. His focus remains on winning the 50-over World Cup—a pursuit left unfinished 23 months ago in Ahmedabad when Australia dashed India’s hopes. Though currently omitted from the 15-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia starting October 19 in Perth, Jadeja’s contributions remain invaluable. As part of the four-pronged spin attack that led India to the Champions Trophy in March, he has proven his worth as a bowler, batter, and exceptional fielder.
At 36, Jadeja is in a phase of his career where personal milestones matter less than the team’s success. Whether in Tests or ODIs, he prioritizes being part of winning squads while continuing to make impactful contributions. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that Jadeja’s exclusion was tactical, given the constraints of touring Australia with two left-arm spinners alongside Axar Patel. Agarkar emphasized that Jadeja remains integral to India’s plans due to his all-round abilities.
Jadeja echoed this sentiment, revealing that the management had explained their reasoning to him. “I’m happy about it,” he said, reflecting his professional attitude. “Whenever I get a chance next, obviously, I’ll try to do the same things I have been doing so far. There are a lot of one-dayers before the World Cup; if I do well and get a chance (to play the World Cup), it’ll be good for Indian cricket.” Even in brief moments as captain, Jadeja’s focus remains firmly on contributing to India’s ultimate goal: lifting the World Cup.
Ravindra Jadeja: India’s Unsung All-Round Dynamo
While recent discussions have largely revolved around Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja has quietly flown under the radar. His ODI credentials are remarkable: 2,806 runs at an average of 32.62 with a strike rate of 85.44, 231 wickets at an exceptional economy of 4.85 in 204 matches, and an unparalleled presence in the field, where his anticipation, agility, and accuracy often create magic.
Seemingly untouched by age, Jadeja remains one of the fittest and fastest players in the squad. Blessed with a naturally athletic frame, he complements it with sharp awareness. “When matches are imminent, I know when to start training, when to change my food habits. I have a very good idea of my body, what it needs and in what state it is in at any time. I understand what is good for me,” he recently explained.
The Indian leadership also recognises his value. Even at 38, Jadeja is expected to remain fighting fit, and if form continues to favor him, he will be an integral part of India’s African tour adventure.