Ravindra Jadeja has been a vital member of the Indian cricket team for more than 10 years, providing a much-needed balance with his all-around abilities. In recent years, he has become more consistent. Across 64 Tests, 172 ODIs and 64 T20Is, he has scored 5,000+ international runs and taken 506 wickets. Additionally, he has rescued India in some challenging ODI situations with crucial partnerships. Read on for three such instances where he bailed India out of trouble.
1. Jadeja’s match-winning performance against England (2011)
In an ODI at The Oval in 2011, England won the toss and chose to bowl first. India had a poor start, losing five wickets for 57 runs. Ravindra Jadeja and captain MS Dhoni combined for an outstanding 102-run partnership, with Jadeja scoring 78 runs and attacking in the death overs. He also took two wickets in the second innings. Despite Jadeja’s heroics, England won the game via the Duckworth-Lewis method. Jadeja was awarded the player of the match for his exceptional all-around performance.
2. Jadeja’s match-saving partnership vs NZ (2014)
During a 2014 match against New Zealand, India needed 315 runs to win and stay alive in the series after losing the first two ODIs. Jadeja and Ashwin were in a precarious situation at the crease with only 14 overs left. They rallied with a phenomenal 85-run partnership, and Jadeja almost led India to victory on the final delivery, but the game ended in a tie. His composed 66 runs off 45 balls earned him the player of the match award.
3. Jadeja rescues India in ODI against Australia (2023)
The most recent example is from the ongoing three-match ODI series between India and Australia. During the first ODI, India struggled at 39-4 while chasing 189. Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul managed to steady the innings with a 44-run stand, but India still needed 106 runs to win after Pandya’s dismissal. Jadeja stepped up, forming an excellent 108-run partnership with Rahul to guide India to victory. Jadeja’s composed 45 runs were crucial to India’s success.