Is Ravindra Jadeja India's go-to test player?
ICC's number one bowler Ravindra Jadeja is the second highest wicket-taker of the 2016-17 season. With six half centuries and 68 wickets, the left-arm spinner has been India's one of the most dependable players in tests this season. Having started as a batsman initially, Jadeja has made a name as the go-to player in tests for Indian team.
Career of Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja made his under-19 debut at the 2006 U-19 Cricket World Cup, and was the vice-captain of the team in the next edition of the tournament. He came to 'limelight' when he became the first Indian player to score three triple centuries in first class cricket. All the three of his triple tons came within a period of one year.
Jadeja's ODI debut
After an impressive performance at the 2008-09 Ranji Trophy, Ravindra Jadeja was selected for the India's limited format team for the tour of Sri Lanka in 2009. He scored unbeaten 60 runs in his debut ODI match.
Test cap and dream performance against Australia
Following his superb triple centuries in Ranji Trophy, Jadeja was picked up for the Indian test team and made his debut against England in December 2012 at Nagpur. While he got just three wickets and 12 runs in his debut game, he picked up 24 wickets against Australia in four-match series at home. He dismissed Clarke five out of six times in the series.
Jadeja's rise to ICC's number one ODI bowler
In 2013, Jadeja picked up 53 ODI wickets and also rose to number one in ICC's bowlers ranking. He became the first Indian bowler to hold the position since Anil Kumble, who achieved the feat in 1996.
Jadeja's fifty and India's win
India has won five of the seven test-matches Jadeja has scored a fifty in, with other two ending in a draw. Against New Zealand last year, he went on to score 58 runs off 50 balls. India won the match by 197-runs. Jadeja scored a 55 off 51 balls, took seven wickets in the final test against England; with India winning the series 4-0.
Jadeja's performance this season
In the 2016-17 cricketing season, Ravindra Jadeja has scored six half centuries in tests equalling Virat Kohli, Murali Vijay and KL Rahul's number. His last fifty came at Dharamsala in the fourth test match against Australia. With 556-runs and 68 wickets this season, Jadeja is the third cricketer in history to achieve the feat of 500-plus runs and 50-plus wickets in a season.
