Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif lavished praise on star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for his brilliant performance against the West Indies in the first Test match at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The 36-year-old all-rounder smashed a century in the first innings and picked up three wickets in the second innings before lunch.
Mohammad Kaif hails Ravindra Jadeja
Kaif, who represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru in nine IPL matches during his playing days, believes that Jadeja is the number one all-rounder in the longest format of the game, but he still doesn't get the due he deserves.
"Ravindra Jadeja is Mr Evergreen of Indian cricket. Players come, players go but he has a permanent presence. No. 1 all-rounder in Test but still he doesn't get the due he deserves.. sometimes goes under the radar. Turning pitches , seaming pitches, home or away Jadeja finds ways to score runs and take wickets. And the world's best fielders too. Easily India's Most Valuable Player" wrote Mohammad Kaif on 'X'.
Jadeja joins the elite list featuring Kapil Dev and Ravichandran Ashwin
Jadeja scored his sixth Test century for India in the first Test against the West Indies. He completed his ton by taking a single on the third ball of the 126th over of India’s first innings, bowled by Jomel Warrican. After smashing the century, he becomes the third Indian cricketer after Kapil Dev and Ravichandran Ashwin to score at least six centuries and take at least six five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
During his playing days, Kapil scored 8 centuries and picked up 23 fifers for India in 131 Test matches, whereas Ashwin finished his 106-match-long Test career with 6 centuries and 37 five-wicket hauls. On the other hand, Jadeja now has six centuries and 15 five-wicket hauls to his name in 86 Tests.