India’s veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja smashed a century in the opening round of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2026-27. Jadeja scored a patient 102 for Saurashtra against Chattisgarh at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot, on Day 2 of the Elite Group B clash. This is Jadeja's career's 16th first-class (red-ball cricket) century. The 37-year-old is making a statement ahead of India’s crucial two-Test series on New Zealand soil.
Jadeja is one of the most successful all-rounders in the history of Test cricket. In overseas conditions, he has been often considered even ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin for his ability to delivery with the bat.
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At the start of Day 2, Jadeja’s overnight score was 72. Prerak Mankad and Jadeja were building a big partnership for the fifth wicket. Saurashtra had 304/4 at the end of Day 1's play.
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Mankad played aggressively while Jadeja held on to one end. Mankad completed his century from 119 balls in the 93rd over. In the 100th over, the partnership was broken by Rudra Pratap Dehari. Mankad scored 129 runs from 150 balls featuring 15 fours and a six.
In the next two overs, Samar Gajjar and Arth Yadav were dismissed cheaply. Then skipper Jaydev Unadkat lost his wicket as well. Saurashtra lost their ninth wicket in the 107th over as Dev Aditya Singh complete his fifer with Chetan Sakariya's wicket. In the 107th over, Saurashtra were 375/9.
Jadeja took the aggressive route as only one wicket was left. He hit two boundaries in next two overs. The southpaw reached his century from 205 deliveries. But, he could not continue for long and got out caught and bowled to his former Saurashtra teammate Dharmendrasinh Jadeja. His knock of 102 came off 209 balls. He hit seven fours during his stay at the crease. Saurashtra ended up getting bowled out for 392 in 110.4 overs.
Jadeja did not bowl a single over in the first two sessions. The left-arm spinner bowled seven overs in the third session. He did not take a wicket but kept a lid on runs, bowling two maidens and conceding 13 runs. At the end of Day 2's play, Chattisgarh were 122/3, trailing by 270 runs.
When was Jadeja’s last century in red-ball cricket?
In October 2025, Jadeja scored a century against West Indies in the Ahmedabad Test. In the year 2025, Jadeja scored two Tests centuries including one against England in Manchester Test.
He has played two Tests this year and is yet to score a half-century. On Sri Lanka tour, he scored 65 runs including a 43-run knock in Colombo Test.
Jadeja’s Test record in New Zealand
Jadeja is yet to score a half-century in Tests played on New Zealand soil. From five innings, he has 107 runs at an average of 35.66 and strike rate of 94.69. His high score is 30 not out. With the ball, he has five wickets at an unimpressive average of 60.60.
This time, he will have a chance to register a fifty-plus score on New Zealand soil. His experience will be crucial as only few in the current squad have played red-ball cricket in those conditions.
Jadeja to surpass Rohit?
Jadeja and teammate KL Rahul will have a chance to surpass former skipper Rohit Sharma's tally of runs in Test cricket. Rohit retired with 4,301 runs from 67 Tests. Jadeja has 4,160 runs from 91 Tests at an average of 37.81 featuring six centuries and 28 fifties. His average is slightly higher than Rahul's 36.64. Rahul has 4,288 runs from 70 Tests. Jadeja needs 142 runs on New Zealand tour to go past Rohit who is currently India's 16th-highest run-scorer in Tests.
Jadeja to overtake Vettori, Imran Khan?
Jadeja needs seven more wickets to surpass New Zealand's former left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori and Pakistan's former all-rounder Imran Khan on the list of bowlers with most wickets in the Test format. Jadeja has 356 wickets averaging 25.40 featuring 15 five-wicket hauls.
When will India’s squad for two Tests vs New Zealand be announced?
The squad for Test series is likely to be announced later this month. A pace-heavy squad is likely to be announced considering the seam-friendly conditions of New Zealand. As a left-arm spinner, Manav Suthar has taken more wickets of late. Washington Sundar missed the Test series against Sri Lanka due to injury. It is yet to be seen whether Sundar makes it to the Test squad for New Zealand tour.
The Test series will begin on November 19 at Basin Reserve, Wellington. The second Test will be played at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
Will Jadeja make it to ODI squad?
Jadeja was in India’s squad for the recently concluded ODI series against West Indies in the absence of Axar Patel who past of the T20 Asian Games 2026. As Axar will be available for the ODI series against New Zealand, there may be a discussion on who makes it to the squad. The ODI series will be played from November 4 to November 15.
New Zealand lose key player ahead of series
New Zealand will be without the services of their pacer Will O'Rourke. The pacer is currently under rehabilitation for left hamstring and calf injuries. He has been kept out of India series as a precaution.
O'Rourke was expected to play in the ODI and Test series but it was decided that his workloads will be increased gradually to avoid aggravating the injuries.
O'Rourke is likely to be available for New Zealand’s four-Test series against Australia.
Meanwhile, Ben Sears and Zak Foulkes continued to remain sidelined as well. Foulkes was initially named in the T20I squad but the pace-bowling all-rounder was ruled out due to a hip flexor injury. Sears' ankle injury continues to keep him on the sidelines as well.
Where are India and New Zealand in WTC standings?
New Zealand are placed third with four wins from six Test and a win percentage of 72.22. India are in fifth position with five wins from 11 Test and a win percentage of 51.52. The two-Test series will be crucial for both the teams as far as their chances of qualifying for WTC final are concerned.