Top 5 bowling spells by Ravindra Jadeja in Tests

Ravindra Jadeja was nicknamed ‘Rockstar’ by Shane Warne after his stellar performances in the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008. After that, a brilliant Ranji season helped him earn his maiden ODI cap. But it was only in 2012/13 season when he made his Test debut.

Jadeja's main strength has always been his control and accuracy. The left-armer's ability to extract turn on even lifeless pitches has helped him established himself in the Indian Test team. From 35 Tests, he has picked up 165 wickets at an average of 23.73 and strike-rate of 61.2.

With Jadeja turning 29 today (6th December), let us take a look at five of the best spells in his Test career thus far.

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#5 5/58 against Australia in Delhi (2013)

Jadeja took 24 wickets in the series

In 2013, Australia had toured India for a 4-match Test series for the first time since 2008. The last time India toured Australia in 2011 they were thrashed 4-0, hence there was all talk about extracting revenge. Going into the 4th and final Test, India did have that chance as they were leading the series 3-0.

This was Jadeja’s first full series. After a sedate debut against England in December 2012, the Saurashtra all-rounder hit his straps in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the first 3 Tests, he took 17 wickets and scalped out the Aussie skipper 5 times in 6 innings. He largely was the support bowler to Ashwin.

In the first innings of the Delhi Test where the ball turned square from day one, he continued to play the supporting role as he picked up 2/40 as India bowled the visitors out for 262. India were bowled out for 272 with Jadeja scoring 43 (his highest Test score till then).

In the second essay, Jadeja came into his own as he picked up his first five-wicket haul. His 5/58 helped India restrict Australia to 164 and set themselves a target of 154 which they overhauled with ease.

Jadeja for his all-round effort (43, 2/40 and 5/58) was awarded the Man of the Match for the first time in his Test career.

#4 5/73 against New Zealand in Kanpur (2016)

Jadeja bowled with superb control against New Zealand

It was the start of India’s long home season – 13 Test matches in the span of 7 months. Ashwin and Jadeja were going to play a key role in those games. New Zealand were first up and it was the first Test of the season and also India’s 500th Test. Thus, it was a momentous occasion.

India batted first after winning the toss and posted 318. It was Jadeja’s unbeaten 42 that helped the hosts cross the 300-mark after they had lost 8 wickets for 123 runs. New Zealand’s first innings started brightly as Latham and Williamson fought their way to take the visitors to 159/1.

But an opening provided by Ashwin who scalped both Latham and Williamson helped Jadeja as he ran through the Kiwi batting line-up to help India gain an important 56-run lead. Jadeja bowled with great control and accuracy. Even when he couldn’t pick wickets at the start of his spell, he didn’t give away too many runs and kept the pressure on from his end.

Hence, his 5/73 which included a 3-wicket over helped India gain advantage. His all-round efforts also helped him earn the Man of the Match award.

#3 5/21 against South Africa in Mohali (2015)

Jadeja's effort helped set the stage for India's dominance in the series

Jadeja had been dropped from the limited-overs side that played against South Africa at home in 2015. He had endured a poor year till then. Hence, he was forced to go back to the Ranji Trophy and deliver good performances. And he did exactly that. He picked up 37 wickets from 4 games to go along with some useful runs. This red-hot form led to Jadeja’s inclusion in the Test squad.

In the first Test on a turning Mohali track, Jadeja scored a vital 38 to take India to 201 in the first innings. He then picked up 3/55 and supported Ashwin well (who took 5/51) to help the hosts restrict the Proteas to 184.

India’s batting failed once again as they were shot out for 200 and set the tourists a tricky target of 218. And the resilience Amla, de Villiers and Elgar showed in the first innings gave South Africa belief that they can overhaul the target.

However, they ran into a red-hot Jadeja who picked up 5/21 to help India win by 108 runs. Jadeja bowled with brilliant accuracy as 5 out of 8 wickets that he took in the game were bowled or LBW. He found his mojo back and sealed his spot in the Indian lineup.

#2 7/48 against England in Chennai (2016)

With Ashwin a little off-colour, Jadeja stepped up and bowled beautifully.

By November 2015, Jadeja had become India’s second spinner for the home Tests. He was playing the role of the support spinner to perfection. His control and accuracy allowed Ashwin to experiment and attack a little more. Thus, they formed a lethal combo.

When both teams moved to Chennai for the fifth Test, India had already pocketed the series but Kohli and company were eager to end the series on a winning note. In reply to England’s 477 in the first innings, Karun Nair struck a magnificent triple ton to help India post a mammoth 759.

The game was headed towards a draw as England were 97/0 at lunch on the final day. However, a magic spell from Jadeja helped India skittle out England for 207 to hand India an innings victory. He ran through the English batting line-up like never before. On a pitch which was very good for batting even on the fifth day, he picked up 7/48.

This performance helped Jadeja shed off the tag of being a rank-turner specialist as he silenced his critics in style and finished the series with 26 wickets.

#1 6/63 against Australia in Bengaluru (2017)

Jadeja's brilliant spell helped India stage a comeback in the series

The Australia series was the last series of India’s grand 2016/17 home season. After uncharacteristically losing the first Test on a rank turner in Pune (by a whopping margin of 333 runs), India were again on the back foot in the second Test.

Batting first they had scored only 189. Jadeja picked up three key wickets (of Smith, Renshaw and Handscomb) on the second day to bring the hosts back in the game. But Australia regained control and were cruising at 269/6. However, the left-arm spinner weaved his magic as he picked up 3 wickets in the span of 10 balls to help India restrict Australia’s lead to 87.

The special thing about this spell was that India were already 1-0 down and were behind the eight-ball even in this Test. Hence, Jadeja’s 6/63 shifted the momentum as India came from behind to win the Test match and eventually went on to clinch the series.