Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara believes Ravindra Jadeja has transformed himself into a wicket-taking machine after initially building his career as a bowler who kept runs in check. He also stressed that Jadeja's vast experience will be pivotal in India's upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.
Pujara reflects on Jadeja's wicket-taking spells
In an interaction with JioHotstar, the former India batter noted that earlier Jadeja used to prefer a defensive bowling approach in the red-ball cricket unless and until the wicket offered some assistance.
Pujara noted that while bowling on a flat surface Jadeja used to pitch defensive deliveries, as he was looking to not leak so many runs. But things have changed after he identified his strong points and looks to take wicket in every delivery by pitching the ball into the attacking areas.
"But if the wicket wasn’t conducive to bowlers, his focus was on restricting the runs. He has understood his own strengths and is bowling accordingly. In every game, he is trying to land the ball in the line of the stumps and get the batter out," said Pujara.
"Earlier, his mindset was a little more defensive, but now he is delivering every ball to take a wicket. So, you think a little more about your game. You use the crease a little better, try to go wider and adjust your length according to the batter," added Pujara.
Ravindra Jadeja's excellent bowling stats in Test cricket
In the red-ball format, the left-arm spinner has enjoyed a stellar wicket-taking spree so far. With time, Jadeja has turned out to be one of the best Test spinners India ever got. So far in 89 Test matches, Jadeja has managed to clinch 348 wickets with a bowling average of 25.11 and an economy rate of 2.50.
In 168 innings, Jadeja has recorded 15 five-wicket hauls, with the best bowling figures of 7/42 against Australia in 2023.
Jadeja has cemented his place as India's go-to spinners across formats and conditions, thanks to his great control, variations and ability to make the most of even the slightest help from the pitch.