The 2013 season for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) saw Jadeja emerge as a dependable lower-order batsman with 201 runs in 14 innings.
Ravindra Jadeja, or "Sir Jadeja" as he's fondly called by fans, is a household name in Indian cricket. Primarily recognized for his exceptional all-round skills, Jadeja has carved a niche for himself with his left-arm spin and athletic fielding. But beneath the surface of a world-class bowler lies a potent batsman, one who has surprised many with his impactful performances at the crease. Here, we delve into Ravindra Jadeja's top 5 most productive seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL), based on the runs scored.
The 2013 season for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) saw Jadeja emerge as a dependable lower-order batsman. With 201 runs in 14 innings, he maintained a decent average of 25.12. The key aspect of this season was his strike rate of 148.88, which showcased his ability to accelerate the innings. While he didn't score any fifties, his contributions were crucial in pushing CSK towards strong totals. He played some crucial cameos, including a vital 35 against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) that helped CSK chase down a daunting target.
🏠❤️ pic.twitter.com/BPuHqkw2vK
— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) April 10, 2024
Jadeja continued his batting brilliance in the 2021 IPL season. While he played the same number of matches (11) as the previous year, his consistency was phenomenal. He amassed 227 runs at a staggering average of 75.66, the highest in this list. He struck a perfect balance between aggression (SR: 145.51) and stability, with only 3 dismissals throughout the season. His unbeaten knock of 68 against the Delhi Capitals (DC) was a cornerstone in CSK's successful chase. This season solidified Jadeja's reputation as a dependable middle-order batsman who could anchor the innings or go ballistic when needed.
The IPL 2020 marked a significant shift in Jadeja's batting approach. He displayed a more aggressive intent, evident in his exceptional strike rate of 171.85. Although he played just 11 innings, he accumulated 232 runs at a remarkable average of 46.40. His knock of 62* against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) was a masterclass in finishing, guiding CSK to a memorable win. This season was a clear indication of Jadeja's evolving batting style, one that could wreak havoc on opposition bowling attacks.
15 years of living my dream – grateful for every moment! 🇮🇳🏏 pic.twitter.com/IRiOnDWkj0
— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) February 8, 2024
Jadeja's stint with the Kochi Tuskers Kerala (KTK) in 2011 proved his ability to adapt to different teams. He was the second-highest run-scorer for KTK, amassing 283 runs in 12 innings. While his average of 31.44 was decent, it was his strike rate of 124.12 that truly impressed. He struck 14 sixes, showcasing his power-hitting prowess. Notably, his knock of 73* against the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) was instrumental in a close victory for KTK.
While the numbers might not suggest dominance compared to later years, Jadeja's contribution in the 2009 season for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) was crucial. As a young player in a star-studded team, his knock of 36 against the Deccan Chargers (DC) in a close encounter showcased his temperament and ability to handle pressure. He finished the season with the second-highest number of runs for RR (295) at a healthy strike rate of 110.90. This season marked the beginning of Jadeja's journey as a well-rounded cricketer, contributing significantly with both bat and ball.
