Ravindra Jadeja: The magician of spin

Ravindra Jadeja is one of the most versatile cricketers in the world. He can bat, bowl, field and lead the team with equal flair. But his most lethal weapon is his left-arm spin bowling, which has bamboozled many batsmen over the years.

Jadeja’s spin magic is not based on any tricks or variations. He relies on his accuracy, pace and subtle changes in angle and trajectory to create doubts in the batsman’s mind. He bowls with a stable head, a smooth action and a strong wrist, which gives him control and consistency.

Jadeja has been a match-winner for India in all formats of the game, especially in Test cricket. He has taken over 200 wickets in Tests, with an impressive average of 24.32 and a strike rate of 60.15. He has also scored over 2000 runs in Tests, with a highest score of 100 not out.

Jadeja’s spin magic has been on display in many memorable performances for India. Here are some of his best moments:

• In the 2023 World Cup, Jadeja took 3-28 in 10 overs against Australia, including the wicket of Moeen Ali, who had scored a century. He also ran out Steve Smith with a direct hit from midwicket. Jadeja’s spell helped India restrict Australia to 199 and win the match by six wickets.

• In the 2016-17 home series against England, Jadeja took 26 wickets in five Tests, with a best of 7-48 in Chennai. He also scored 224 runs in the series, with two fifties. He was named the man of the match and the man of the series for his all-round performance.

• In the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, Jadeja scored a brilliant 77 off 59 balls, after India were reduced to 92-6 in a chase of 240. He also took 1-34 in 10 overs and effected a run out with a direct hit from the deep. He almost took India to the final, but fell short by 18 runs.

• In the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Jadeja took 4-62 in the second Test in Melbourne, including the key wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Matthew Wade. He also scored 57 in the first innings and took a stunning catch to dismiss Labuschagne in the second innings. He was injured in the third Test, but his heroics helped India retain the trophy.

Jadeja has credited his former captain MS Dhoni and his current captain Virat Kohli for his success as a spinner. He has said that Dhoni gave him confidence and freedom to bowl according to his strengths, while Kohli has backed him in any conditions and praised his accuracy.

Jadeja has also revealed that he developed a taste for spin bowling as a youngster, when he used to bowl on rough pitches and enjoyed turning the ball. He said that he always wanted to be a spinner, even though he started as a fast bowler.

Jadeja is a rare breed of cricketer, who can create magic without any tricks. He is a perfect example of how hard work, dedication and skill can make a spinner successful in any situation. He is a true asset for India and a nightmare for the opposition.