Ravindra Jadeja thanks MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli in shaping his career
Jadeja thanks Dhoni, Kohli in shaping his career
It’s Ravindra Jadeja all the way. The 28-year-old star all-rounder helped India secure massive innings and 53 runs victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test of the ongoing three-match series with his all-round efforts. His performance, 7 wickets and unbeaten 70-run knock, helped him reach the pinnacle of ICC Test Rankings for bowlers and all-rounders. While the cricketing fraternity is busy congratulating the Saurashtra player, Jadeja has a special message for two vital cogs of Indian cricket team.
Jadeja’s message is surely winning hearts over social media. Jadeja, who made his international debut in 2009, is today an instrumental part of Team India. Playing under MS Dhoni, Jadeja became India’s first-choice all-rounder across formats. His most memorable performances, in Dhoni’s reins, came in ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2012-13. Despite facing a lull period in World T20 2010 (in West Indies) and World Cup 2015, Dhoni always backed him and brought the best out of him.
Similarly, Virat Kohli, who has captained Jadeja since his Under-19 days, has carried forward the trust on the all-rounder and the left-hander is again repaying the faith imposed on him. After shining in India’s long home season (against New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia), Jadeja has assisted the team in winning back-t0-back series in Sri Lanka. He picked up 7 wickets in the second Test, including a five-for, and contributed with a breezy 85-ball 70 (not out). Surely, the stars are shining bright for the player and he has rightly thanked his two captains in his ‘golden phase.’
Jadeja removed teammate Ravichandran Ashwin to become the No. 1 bowler, whereas Shakib Al Hasan lost the top all-rounders spot to Jadeja. He has also jumped nine places to take the 51st position in batsmen’s rankings in the longer format.
Despite his heroics, Jadeja is set to miss the third and final Test due to suspension imposed by ICC for breaching code of conduct.