Published By: Sanchari Das

BGT 2024/25: Should India Play This All-rounder After the Adelaide Disaster?

Amid high stakes and mounting pressure, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy enters its third Test at Brisbane’s Gabba

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is heating up! India and Australia are locked at 1-1, and the third Test is all set to take place at the Gabba, Brisbane, from December 14. Australia roared back into the series with a crushing ten-wicket win in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide. India looked out of sorts, especially with the bat. Now, with the series and World Test Championship finals spot on the line, Rohit Sharma and his team have some big decisions to make. Could bringing back Ravindra Jadeja be the answer?

Revisiting the memorable 2020-21 Series 

The 2020-21 India tour of Australia is remembered for many remarkable moments. Fans often discuss Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill’s heroics at the Gabba or Mohammed Siraj’s five-wicket haul. Others recall Hanuma Vihari and R Ashwin’s brave partnership in Sydney. But it all began with a disastrous start in Adelaide, where India was bowled out for a mere 36. Virat Kohli’s departure added to the pressure, but Ajinkya Rahane’s century in Melbourne turned the tide. Amidst these celebrated moments, Ravindra Jadeja’s crucial knock of 57 in Melbourne remains an underrated gem.

Jadeja: The consistent performer

Jadeja’s innings in Melbourne was a masterclass in resilience. Partnering with Rahane, he added 121 runs, rescuing India from a precarious 173/5. This wasn’t an isolated performance. Since 2017, Jadeja has consistently delivered with the bat in Tests, scoring 2387 runs at an average of nearly 40. He has also registered 17 fifties and four centuries. Notably, three of his centuries have come in the last three years, underscoring his evolving batting prowess. His recent average of 38.52 surpasses even stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Ignored despite the numbers 

Despite these stellar stats, Jadeja was overlooked for the first two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Washington Sundar was preferred in Perth, Jadeja’s omission in Adelaide was puzzling. India instead chose young batters Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal, who managed just 37 runs in four innings. Even though India won the first Test comfortably, cracks in the batting order were evident. The absence of a reliable lower-middle-order batter like Jadeja was glaring in the second Test, where India was bundled out for 180 and 175.

Middle-order woes and Jadeja’s suitability

India’s lower-order has been struggling. From positions 7 to 11, the team has averaged just 19.5 runs this series, with Nitish Reddy contributing the bulk. Jadeja’s inclusion could bolster this fragile lineup. His ability to score crucial runs under pressure is unmatched. Seven of his recent 50-plus or 40-plus scores have come with the team in trouble. Moreover, his batting style suits Australian conditions, where patience and defence are key.

Jadeja vs. other all-rounders

Washington Sundar and R Ashwin have been unable to replicate Jadeja’s impact. In Adelaide, Washington scored 33 runs and took two wickets, while Ashwin managed 29 runs and one wicket. These contributions pale in comparison to Jadeja’s proven record. His ability to bat for long periods—averaging 76.7 balls per dismissal—sets him apart in the current squad. Among all Test batters from Nos. 6-11 since 2022, Jadeja ranks best in balls faced per dismissal, further highlighting his value.

Bowling brilliance in Australian conditions

Jadeja’s inclusion isn’t just about his batting. His bowling record in Australia is impressive, with 14 wickets in four Tests at an average of 21.8. His ability to trouble both left-handers and right-handers is a significant advantage, especially on tracks like the Gabba. Additionally, his economy and knack for breaking partnerships make him indispensable.

The need for Jadeja in the decider

With the series tied 1-1, the following three Tests will define the outcome. India needs a reliable all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball. Jadeja’s stats, coupled with his experience and temperament, make him the ideal candidate. The management must rethink their strategy and bring back their ‘swordsman.’ As the top-ranked Test all-rounder, Jadeja is crucial to India’s chances of reclaiming glory Down Under. Can India afford to leave out their ace all-rounder when the stakes are this high?