Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali recently weighed in on India’s Ravindra Jadeja, praising his exceptional batting form but raising questions about his effectiveness with the ball in the ongoing series against England.
Jadeja’s Batting Brilliance
Ravindra Jadeja has been a rock for India with the bat, particularly shining in the recent Lord’s Test. Despite India’s eventual 22-run defeat, Jadeja’s valiant unbeaten 61 runs off 181 deliveries provided a crucial, stoic presence at the crease.
Batting alongside lower-order players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, Jadeja held one end firm. His tenacity was also evident in the first innings where he scored 72 runs at number six, showcasing his growing confidence with the bat.
His impressive form isn’t new; it has carried over from the Edgbaston Test where he smashed two half-centuries. This remarkable run has seen him achieve four consecutive fifties in England, a feat only accomplished by two other Indian legends, Sourav Ganguly and Rishabh Pant.
Question Marks Over Bowling
While his batting has drawn widespread praise, Moeen Ali believes Jadeja’s bowling hasn’t quite reached the same heights during this tour. Ali noted that Jadeja has only managed to pick up three wickets in as many matches, a statistic that raises concerns about his primary role as a frontline spinner.
“He’s been amazing with the bat this series, obviously. I think with the ball, he hasn’t quite got the wickets,” Ali stated. He acknowledged Jadeja’s tight bowling, saying, “He’s very tight. He can bowl, but he’s not outstanding.”
Ali emphasized that despite Jadeja’s economy, the lack of wickets is a notable point. “Bowling-wise, I think he just doesn’t have the wickets. With the tally, I think he’s bowled well, he just doesn’t have the wickets,” he explained, highlighting the difference between being economical and being a genuine wicket-taking threat.
The Spin Bowling Dilemma
India’s team composition has seen Washington Sundar brought in as a second spin-bowling all-rounder, leaving wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav on the bench for the entire series so far. This decision indicates the team management’s preference for all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball.
Moeen Ali expressed his desire to see Kuldeep Yadav get a chance in the playing XI. However, he also recognized the challenge this poses for the team selectors given the current dynamics.
“I would like to see Kuldeep in the team, but I don’t know who for. Washington has bowled well, Jadeja batted well. So it makes it difficult to bring Kuldeep Yadav in the side,” Ali admitted, underscoring the tough choices India faces.
- Ravindra Jadeja has registered four successive half-centuries in England, a rare achievement for an Indian batter.
- Moeen Ali praised Jadeja’s batting but noted his bowling lacks wicket-taking prowess in the series.
- Jadeja has taken only three wickets in three matches despite being economical.
- Ali expressed a wish to see Kuldeep Yadav in the team, acknowledging the selection challenges.
The debate around Jadeja’s dual role continues as India aims to solidify its combination for the remainder of the series.
