Aakash Chopra credits Jadeja's on-field success to improved batting prowess
Jadeja picked up 10 wickets in the match [Associated Press]
Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has left cricket enthusiasts in utter awe, following his remarkable performance in the first two Test matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite being sidelined from the sport for nearly six months due to injury, Jadeja played an instrumental role in India's dominant display in the series.
In the Nagpur Test, Jadeja scored a half-century and claimed a five-wicket-haul, before following it up with a second-ever 10-wicket-haul in the recently-concluded Test in Delhi.
Former India cricketer, Aakash Chopra, showered accolades on the versatile all-rounder in a recent interaction with ESPNCricinfo. According to the retired cricketer, Jadeja's outstanding skills and confidence on the pitch are a direct result of his improved batting performance in the longest format of the game.
The seasoned commentator expressed that it felt as if Jadeja had never been away from the Indian team, despite his extended hiatus. He lauded the left-hander's complete skill set, which has enabled him to excel in all facets of the game.
Chopra further noted that Jadeja's bowling performances on Day 1 of Tests, coupled with his ability to score crucial runs at the pivotal number 4/5 positions, have vastly improved in recent years, a feat that was not his forte during the initial half of his Test career. He attributes the cricketer's newfound confidence in his batting to be the reason for his on-field success.
The resurgence of the Saurashtra-born cricketer commenced with his comeback to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy, just before the India vs. Australia Test series. Having undergone knee surgery and spent considerable time at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore to regain full fitness, he has demonstrated his exceptional talent and ability to perform under pressure.
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