Ravindra Jadeja Career (AP)
There aren’t many stories that are as compelling as that of Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The southpaw’s journey from the lanes of Jamnagar to cricketing stardom was anything but straightforward.
Over the years, Ravindra Jadeja's contributions to Indian cricket have been manifold. His knack for breaking partnerships with his left-arm spin along with his ability to score crucial runs in the lower middle order, and his electrifying fielding, have earned him accolades and the affectionate nicknames of "Jaddu" and "Rockstar" from fans and teammates alike.
His journey from a young boy dissuaded from pursuing his passion to a key player on the international stage sums up the spirit of determination and the power of perseverance. Here’s a look at the Ravindra Jadeja Career.
Ravindra Jadeja's Cricket Career
Nicknamed ‘Sir’, Ravindra Jadeja’s legacy in the cricket field is one of a kind. There aren’t many stories that are as compelling as that of Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. From the outset, Jadeja's path was riddled with expectations divergent from his aspirations.
His father, envisioning a life of discipline and courage for his son in the army, could not have foreseen the undying ardour for cricket in young Ravindra. It was this passion that sculpted the course of his life, steering him through the vicissitudes of fate and fortune.
Jadeja made his ODI debut in 2009 against Sri Lanka and his Test debut in 2012 against England. Soon, under the astute leadership of MS Dhoni, Jadeja, along with Ravichandran Ashwin, the duo spun the web to dominate world cricket.
Ravindra Jadeja International Career
In his 17-year-long career, Ravindra Jadeja has played over 350 international matches across all formats. In October 2019, he became the quickest left-arm bowler to reach 200 Test wickets. Six years before that, he had become the first Indian since Anil Kumble in 1993 to top the ICC ODI bowling rankings.
As of July 2025, Jadeja holds the record for holding the No.1 rank in the ICC Test All-rounders ranking for the longest period, maintaining the top spot for more than 1,152 consecutive days.
Jadeja has become the first player in WTC history to score 2000 runs in batting and take more than 100 wickets in bowling.
Ravindra Jadeja's T20I Career
Ravindra Jadeja's T20I Career (X.com/@ABsay_ek)
Jadeja's T20I career has showcased his evolution as a key player for the Indian team. Since his debut against Sri Lanka on February 10, 2009, Jadeja has made significant contributions in various facets of the game, reinforcing his status as a versatile all-rounder.
Early in his T20I journey, during the T20 World Cup 2009, Jadeja faced criticism for his slow batting pace in a crucial match against England, which India lost. However, demonstrating his ability to bounce back, Jadeja's performance in a T20I against Australia in February 2012 highlighted his value to the team.
With economical bowling figures of 1/16 in 3 overs and two critical run-outs, his fielding efforts alone earned him the Man of the Match award, showcasing his game-changing abilities in the field. In the T20 World Cup 2021, he was a key contributor with the ball, claiming 7 wickets in crucial games.
Throughout his T20I career, Jadeja has been celebrated not just for his bowling and batting, but also for his exceptional fielding. His agility and precision on the field have saved numerous runs and resulted in spectacular dismissals, further cementing his reputation as one of the best all-rounders in modern cricket.
Ravindra Jadeja's ODI Career
Jadeja's remarkable journey in ODIs began with his debut against Sri Lanka on February 8, 2009, where he made an immediate impact by scoring an unbeaten 60, despite India's loss in the match.
His role in the Indian ODI team solidified over the years with impact performances, including a heroic 78 at The Oval in 2011 against England, and a quickfire 61, which helped India level the series. His contributions were crucial in India winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, finishing as the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 12 wickets, earning him the Golden Ball and a spot in the 'Team of the Tournament.'
Jadeja also became the No.1 ranked ODI bowler by the ICC in August 2013, the first Indian to achieve this feat since Anil Kumble in 1996. Jadeja reached a personal milestone in March 2019 against Australia, becoming the third Indian cricketer to score over 2,000 runs and take 150 wickets in ODIs. He was named in India's squad for the ICC World Cup 2019, playing a significant role, especially with a fighting fifty in the semi-final against New Zealand which unfortunately went in vain.
In 2022, he was appointed as vice-captain for the ODI series against the West Indies. At the ICC World Cup 2023, Jadeja was instrumental with 16 wickets, including a memorable 5/33 against South Africa, as India made it to the final but was defeated by Australia.
Ravindra Jadeja Test Career
Jadeja’s journey was catapulted by a stellar 2012-13 Ranji Trophy season, where he notched up two triple centuries in just four matches. These performances earned him a spot in the Indian Test squad against England in Nagpur, where he made his debut. Jadeja made an immediate impact, bowling 70 overs and securing 3 wickets for 117 runs.
Jadeja's role was crucial in India's 4-0 Test series victory over Australia in early 2013, where he claimed 24 wickets, including the prized scalp of Michael Clarke five times. His skills with the ball and a crucial maiden Test fifty against England in 2014 highlighted his all-round capabilities.
His performances have been consistently remarkable, earning him accolades and setting records, including becoming the fastest left-arm bowler to reach 200 Test wickets. Jadeja's batting also flourished, achieving his first Test century in 2018 and reaching the milestone of 2,000 runs and 200 wickets in Tests by August 2021. His record-breaking 175* against Sri Lanka in 2022 further cemented his status as a formidable lower-order batsman.
He become the fastest Indian to take 250 wickets and score over 2,500 runs in Test cricket. His recent century against England in Rajkot in February 2024 shows Jadeja's invaluable contribution to the Indian Test team.
Ravindra Jadeja IPL career
Ravindra Jadeja IPL career (X.COM/@CricCrazyJohns)
Jadeja’s IPL journey began with the Rajasthan Royals in 2008, where his performances helped the team clinch the title. Scoring 135 runs and maintaining a strike rate of 131.06 that season, Jadeja showed early signs of his potential, which earned him high praise from captain Shane Warne, who saw him as a "superstar in the making".
However, Jadeja faced a setback in 2010 due to a ban over contractual issues but made a strong return in 2011 with the Kochi Tuskers Kerala. Despite the team's brief IPL stint, his performance didn't go unnoticed, and in 2012, he joined the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a record $2 million after an intense bidding war. He made an immediate impact, winning a Man of the Match award early in the season.
Throughout his IPL career, Jadeja has been instrumental in CSK's successes, including a memorable Mother's Day match in 2015 where he took four wickets against the Rajasthan Royals, and a dramatic finish in a 2021 match where he scored 62* and took three wickets, showcasing his all-round capabilities.
In 2022, Jadeja was named CSK captain, succeeding MS Dhoni, though he stepped down mid-season and was later sidelined due to a rib injury amid rumours of a rift with the franchise. However, he made a victorious return, securing CSK's victory in the IPL 2023 final by scoring 10 runs off the last 2 balls. He is set to ply his trade once again for CSK in IPL 2024.
Ravindra Jadeja domestic career
Ravindra Jadeja, before setting foot in the international circuit, dominated domestic cricket for a while. Jadeja has had a phenomenal career playing for Saurashtra. Jadeja's consistent performances with the ball and the bat have been instrumental in Saurashtra's success.
Ravindra Jadeja first-class career
Transitioning to first-class cricket, Jadeja made his debut during the 2006–07 Duleep Trophy, representing West Zone, and subsequently played for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy. By 2012, Jadeja etched his name among cricketing elites by becoming the first Indian and the eighth player globally to score three triple centuries in first-class cricket.
He achieved this feat before turning 24, with scores of 314 against Orissa in 2011, an unbeaten 303 against Gujarat in 2012, and 331 against Railways in December 2012, setting the stage for a promising international career.
FAQs - Ravindra Jadeja's Career
Q.1.What is Jadeja's career in cricket?
Ans. Making his ODI debut against Sri Lanka on 8 February 2009, Ravindra Jadeja is a prominent Indian all-rounder. Jadeja has consistently performed well across all formats, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Q.2. What is Jadeja famous for?
Ans. Ravindra Jadeja is known for his exceptional left-arm spin and hard-hitting ability with the bat. On top of that, Jadeja is regarded as one of the best fielders in the world.
Q.3. How many centuries has Jadeja?
Ans. Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has scored 4 international centuries in Test cricket.
Q.4. What is the rank of Ravindra Jadeja?
Ans. Ravindra Jadeja holds the record for holding the No.1 rank in the ICC Test All-rounders ranking for the longest period, maintaining the top spot for 1,152 consecutive days.