IPL: 3 memorable contributions by Ravindra Jadeja in the tournament

During the inaugural edition of Indian Premier League (2008), Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne saw immense potential in a young 19-year-old and termed him as a special talent for the future, he is none other than Ravindra Jadeja.

His dynamic all-around ability in all three departments was one of the crucial factors in Rajasthan clinching the IPL trophy in 2008. In the 2nd season of IPL, Jadeja had a better outing by scoring over 290 runs and picking up 6 wickets in 10 games with an economy of less than 7. Despite his efforts, Rajasthan Royals couldn’t make it to top 4. Jadeja was banned from the 3rd season as he was found negotiating terms with other franchise.

He was picked up by Kochi Tuskers Kerala in the 4th season of IPL for $950,000 but his stint in this franchise was short-lived as the franchise was terminated post the season. He was picked by Chennai Super Kings for $2 million in the 5th season making him the most expensive player of the season. Jadeja has lived up to his reputation, giving a memorable performance for his side every now and then.

Let us look at the top 3 memorable performances by Ravi Jadeja in IPL history:

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#3 36(33) and 4/33 vs Rajasthan Royals - 2014

Put into bat first Chennai Super Kings on a slow wicket at Dubai, the men in yellow had a slow start to their innings, scoring at just above run a ball before Brendon McCullum got out in the 6th over. Dwayne Smith, on the other hand, decided to cut loose and raced away to a 28-ball 50 before holing out to Shane Watson of the bowling of Stuart Binny. After Smith got out, wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals until Jadeja stepped in and resurrected the innings along with Mithun Manhas. From a precarious 74/5, the pair added valuable 27 runs for the 6th wicket before Manhas was dismissed in the 15th over.

Jadeja then found able support in Ravichandran Ashwin, as the pair added further 39 runs in the last 5 overs taking the team total to 140/6 in the allocated 20 overs. Jadeja scored a valuable 36 runs off 33 deliveries with 2 hits to the fence.

Chasing a modest total of 141, Rajasthan Royals got off to a sedate start losing both the openers Abhishek Nayar and Ajinkya Rahane before the mandatory powerplay of 6 overs. Jadeja broke the back of the top order by picking up crucial wickets of Sanju Samson, Shane Watson, and a well-settled Steve Smith. Although there was a lower order blitz from Dhawal Kulkarni (28 of 19 balls), Chennai were in complete control throughout. Rajasthan Royals fell short by 7 runs and for his all-around effort with the bat and ball, Ravindra Jadeja was awarded Man of the Match.

#2 48(29) and 5/16 vs Deccan Chargers – 2012

This was the 6th match of DLF Indian Premier League (2012) played at Vishakapatnam between Deccan Chargers and Chennai Super Kings. Deccan Chargers won the toss and made the most use of it as they dismissed Murali Vijay of the very second ball of the innings. Faf du Plessis and Suresh Raina added valuable contributions before being dismissed. Ravi Jadeja joined Subramaniam Badrinath at 63-3 and initially, he paced his innings by taking only singles.

After Badrinath was dismissed in the 13th over, Jadeja decided to cut loose. He targeted the off-spinner Ankit Sharma by hitting 2 gigantic sixes and a boundary, taking his score to 26* (19). In the 16th over, he smashed Dan Christian for 2 boundaries and followed it up by hitting a Six straight down the ground in the next over of T.P Sudhindra. In the very next over, he was out hit wicket after he jumped on to his own stumps trying to use the pace of Dale Steyn. His knock (48 of 29 balls) comprised of 3 boundaries and 3 hits over the fence.

Chennai reached a solid total of 193/6 in 20 overs thanks to Ravi Jadeja and some brutal hitting by Dwayne Bravo in the end.

Chasing a mammoth score of 194, Deccan were always behind the eight ball. Ravindra Jadeja ripped through the middle order and tail of Deccan Chargers handing over a comfortable win to his side. His 5/16 comprised of the wickets of Parthiv Patel, Bharat Chipli, Manpreet Gony, Ravi Teja and Dale Steyn. Deccan Chargers were all-out for poultry 119 in 17.1 overs.

Ravi Jadeja picked up his maiden 5 wicket haul, which till date remains his best figures. For his all-around efforts both with the bat and ball, he was adjudged Man of the Match.

#1 Last over Heroics vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – 2013

Chennai Super Kings took on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the iconic Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai) in the 6th edition of Indian Premier League. Put into bat first, Royal Challengers put up a decent score of 165/6 in the 20 overs thanks to quick-fire 50’s from Captain Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.

Chasing 166, Chennai got off to bad start losing openers Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay within 4 overs. At one point Chennai required over 11 runs per over and the game was slipping out of hand. Skipper M.S Dhoni and Jadeja strung together a partnership to bring the target closer.

Dhoni was dismissed on the first ball of the 19th over and still, 29 runs were required off 11 deliveries. Bravo smashed a six and then got out later. 16 runs were required were required off the last over with Jadeja and Chris Morris in the crease.

Last over responsibility was handed over to left-arm pacer R.P Singh and what followed was absolute drama. Jadeja smashed a four and a straight six of the first 2 balls to bring the equation down to 6 needed off 4 balls. The next 3 balls fetched 4 runs with Jadeja back on strike for the last ball. 2 runs were required off the last ball and all the 3 results were possible.

R.P Singh ran up and delivered a wide short ball which Jadeja edged it to the third man fielder. RCB were ecstatic after the catch was taken but their celebrations turned into disappointment as the on-field umpire called it a no ball as R.P Singh has overstepped the popping crease. Jadeja ran a single while the catch was taken and the no-ball meant 2 runs were scored off the ball and a victory for the men in yellow.

Chennai Super Kings team ran into the middle to congratulate Jadeja for his superman effort. And for his heroics, he was awarded Man of the Match.