Jadeja, in particular, looked sublime, scoring 86 off 117 balls with his trademark punchy shots through the off-side
India returns to test cricket with a home series against a buoyant Bangladesh side, fresh off a historic series win in Pakistan. India started strong with a full-strength squad featuring all their regular red-ball stars. Ravichandran Ashwin's sixth test century was a sight to behold, arriving when India was 144 for six and facing a possible 200-run all-out. Partnering with Ravindra Jadeja, they stitched together a vital 180-run stand. Jadeja, in particular, looked sublime, scoring 86 off 117 balls with his trademark punchy shots through the off-side. As day 1 ended with India inching closer to 350, let's look back at Jadeja's top five test knocks that shaped his stellar career.
Jadeja's 91 against South Africa in Pune during the 2019 Test series is a classic example of his aggressive style. After Mayank Agarwal's century and Virat Kohli's stunning double century, Jadeja played an attacking knock. He scored 91 off just 104 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes. Though he fell short of a century by nine runs, his partnership with the top-order batters allowed India to post a massive total. India eventually won the match by an innings and 137 runs, with Jadeja's innings proving crucial in building the team's dominance.
Jadeja's maiden test century came at his home ground in Rajkot against the West Indies in 2018. Walking in after centuries from Prithvi Shaw and Virat Kohli, Jadeja kept the momentum going. His unbeaten 100* off 132 balls was studded with five fours and five sixes, providing a perfect finish to India's massive total of 649. Jadeja's knock, a blend of patience and aggression, helped India win by an innings and 272 runs. This century marked a significant moment in his career, silencing critics of his batting abilities and proving he could be a match-winner with the bat.
#INDvENG #ENGvIND | 5th Test#TeamIndia 416 all out in first innings on Day 2 against England in Birmingham (Rishabh Pant 146, Ravindra Jadeja 104; James Anderson 5/60)
— TOI Sports (@toisports) July 2, 2022
Follow Live: https://t.co/bAb5pIU0wx pic.twitter.com/UYUyjL2qxv
In a high-pressure situation at Edgbaston in 2022, Jadeja displayed immense character. India was in deep trouble at 98/5 against England, with James Anderson and Matthew Potts wreaking havoc. Jadeja, along with Rishabh Pant, turned the game on its head with a remarkable partnership of 222 runs. Pant's explosive 146 grabbed headlines, but Jadeja's 104 off 194 balls was equally vital. He struck 13 fours in his gritty innings, showcasing his ability to adapt to harsh conditions. Though India eventually lost the match, Jadeja's knock stood out as a symbol of resilience in a challenging contest.
Ravindra Jadeja in this match
— Riyaaa (@riaa0riaa) March 6, 2022
With the bat - 175 and With the ball - 5/41 and 4/46..
What a game it was for Sir Jadeja ❤🔥
it was not #INDvSL, it was Jaddu vs Sri Lanka.
pic.twitter.com/FfqbDbBNLd
Jadeja's highest test score, an unbeaten 175, came against Sri Lanka in Mohali in 2022. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Jadeja faced 228 balls and struck 17 fours and three sixes, propelling India to a total of 574. What made this knock more remarkable was his performance with the ball. Jadeja took nine wickets across Sri Lanka's innings, delivering a complete all-round show. India won the match by an inning and 222 runs, and Jadeja's 175* remains a testament to his dominance in both game departments.
Jadeja dunked on Lavadaball on Stokes' 100th test with a century and a 5fer. 🚬⚔️
— ; (@171off90) February 18, 2024
There is no competition. Ben Stokes will never be HIM in test cricket. pic.twitter.com/DOpqgOenqO
In 2024, Jadeja delivered yet another spectacular performance, this time at his home ground in Rajkot against England. With the pressure on India, Jadeja scored 112 runs off 225 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes. His century was pivotal in India, where he took a massive lead. Jadeja then dismantled England's batting lineup with a five-wicket haul, taking 5/41 in the second innings. India triumphed by a colossal 434 runs, and Jadeja's all-around performance earned him the man of the match award. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball once again proved his immense value to the team.