Has Ravindra Jadeja passed his prime?

07 August, 2014

Ravindra Jadeja had something magical about him, but of late, this has gone missing. Once known as a man with mystical powers, he has lost his sheen as well.

First of all, I intend to make it clear that the subject matter of this write -up is not a knee jerk reaction. As many of Jadeja's feel, he has been good occasionally, but of late, his overall performance has not justified his all rounder credentials.

Not only has he failed as a batsmen and a bowlers, but one of his strongest poin – fielding has also seen a downfall, where he has dropped an all important catch as well. Previously, he was considered as safe as bank, when it came to pocketing catches. Also, contributing a few runs here and there does not entitle anyone to fetch an important place in the ever increasing era of competitive cricket.

If one analyzes his stats in a fair manner, the message of this write up is clearly delivered. He is a lead Indian spinner, but he has not been consistent. Many do not even count him as a specialist bowler. In fact, the variation he used to rely on, has not remained a secret anymore. Improvisations do pay but not always. In fact, his spin is no more magical or difficult to negotiate.

His recent bowling performance is really a matter of concern. With the ball in his hand, he averages just a little less than 60, which is not a stat of an Indian spinner. Even in the third Test, he was hardly effective and was smashed around by Jose Buttler.

He got noticed in his first class debut in the year 2006, while playing for West Zone against East Zone in Indore and his contribution in ODIs was appreciated by one and all. But ever since his Test debut at Nagpur against England in the year 2012, his bowling figures in 10 matches (19 innings) have been on a downward trend. He has managed just 39 wickets. This is not expected from a key bowler, who is supposed to lead the attack.

Lately, he has been adopting a casual approach towards the game. Any bowler who is smashed during his first few deliveries will try to deviate the focus of the batsmen through controlled and tight bowling. But very often, in a rather strange move, Jadeja keeps on bowling the same way and gives away lot of runs, even in a very challenging situation. If one intends to earn his name as an impressive left arm spinner, he has to be as good as veteran Bishan Singh Bedi.

In order to become a good all rounder, one has to have a strong footing in both batting and fielding alike Kapil Dev. Sir Jadeja does not possess any of the above anymore. This appears to be the right time that a suitable replacement is searched for.

A capable bowler should be inducted in the squad so as to strengthen the bowling attack. Meanwhile, we must thank Jadeja for his contribution in his journey along with team India. He might not be remembered as a great crickter, but will be known as a great entertainer.

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