As India prepares to take on the world in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, there has been much debate and discussion around the bowling line-up for the team. Led by skipper Rohit Sharma, the Indian team has chosen to rely heavily on spinners to make an impact in the tournament, much like their success in last year's Twenty20 World Cup. This strategy has been further cemented by the agreement of head coach Gautam Gambhir, showing a unified approach by the team's leadership. With a strong spin attack including names like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav, India is betting on their all-round skills to bring home the trophy.
Ravindra Jadeja has been left out of Saurashtra's squad for the Ranji Trophy leg, which sees them facing Mumbai, Punjab and Bengal in the next few days. The all-rounder, who had an impressive outing in the recent India-Australia series, may still make himself available closer to the match due to the close scrutiny of the national team players. Jadeja last played for Saurashtra in January 2023, taking eight wickets against Tamil Nadu, and was a key member in three of the five Tests against Australia.
Day 2 of the 5th Test between Australia and India was full of excitement as 15 wickets fell and the lead shifted between the two sides. India's bowlers continued their good work from Day 1, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj taking crucial wickets. However, Rishabh Pant's explosive style of batting ensured that India ended the day leading by 145 runs with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar holding the fort at the crease. Australia will have to put up a tough fight on Day 3 if they want to avoid defeat.
The decision of Rohit Sharma being 'rested' for the fifth Test in Sydney has led to uproar in the Indian cricket community. At 37 years old, this may be the end of Sharma's Test career. The retirements of Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20Is and the mid-series retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin have sparked a transition phase in Indian cricket. Reports state that there was a communication breakdown between the skipper and the head coach, leading to Sharma's exclusion.
After an exceptional performance on Day 4 of the India vs Australia Boxing Day Test, Jasprit Bumrah has become the fastest Indian pacer to reach 200 Test wickets. He has also joined the ranks of cricket legends such as Pat Cummins, Ravindra Jadeja, Kagiso Rabada, Richard Hadlee, and Joel Garner. By surpassing Anil Kumble's record, Bumrah now holds the title for most Test wickets by an Indian bowler in SENA countries.
As India prepares for the last two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, the sudden retirement of R Ashwin has left a gap in the team's spin attack. In his place, the selectors have called up Mumbai's all-rounder Tanush Kotian, who has 101 wickets under his belt in 31 First-class games. With Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja also in the mix, Kotian's inclusion adds strength to India's spin bowling.
The Chennai Super Kings' middle-order suffered a dramatic collapse against the Rajasthan Royals, as they fell short chasing the target set by the Royals. Veteran batsmen MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja tried to take the game deep, but were ultimately unable to pull off a thrilling last-over finish. The Royals' spin bowlers caused panic and triggered the collapse, getting rid of crucial wickets including Rahane, Dube, and Conway. Despite that, the close finish and the valiant efforts of the CSK batting pair garnered praise from the crowd.
In a crucial point of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Team India's KL Rahul praised the impressive display of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja on the fourth day of the Brisbane Test against Australia. Jadeja's gritty 77 runs off 123 balls, along with support from Rahul himself and tail-enders Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, helped India avoid a follow-on and finish the day at 252/9. Despite facing a strong 405/7 on Day 2 led by Travis Head (152) and Steve Smith (101), Jadeja's solid technique and consistent performance proved invaluable for India.
Ravindra Jadeja joined KL Rahul on day four of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba in Brisbane. Despite facing criticism for his selection, Rahul praised Jadeja’s vital contribution to avoid the follow-on and keep India’s hopes of a draw alive. The two built a crucial 67-run partnership for the sixth wicket, with Jadeja scoring 70-80 runs with the tail. Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah then further solidified India’s stance in the match, leaving the visitors with a fighting chance heading into the final day of play.
On Day 4 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India faced a difficult task as they tried to claw back after Australia's first-innings lead. KL Rahul's 84 runs kept them in the game, but Nathan Lyon's bowling caused regular wickets. Rain delayed the match with Ravindra Jadeja playing a strong role, remaining unbeaten at 52. As India looks for a strong partnership, Australia will strive to take control of the game.