India’s all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja celebrated his 35th birthday on Wednesday, marking another milestone in his illustrious career. Jadeja, widely regarded as one of the best all-rounders of the modern era, has established himself as a key figure in the Indian cricket team since making his international debut in 2009.
In the 67 Test matches he has played for India, Jadeja has amassed an impressive 2,804 runs at an average of 36.41. The left-handed batsman has also notched up three centuries and 19 fifties in the longer format, with a highest score of 175*. However, it is with his left-arm spin that Jadeja has truly emerged as a force to be reckoned with. He has taken a remarkable 275 Test wickets at an average of 24.04 and a strike rate of 59.4. His best figures in a Test innings stand at an impressive 7/42, and he has bagged 12 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket hauls.
Jadeja’s exceptional performances have played a pivotal role in India’s success in various tournaments. He was a part of the team that reached the finals of the ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and 2023. In the One-Day Internationals (ODIs), Jadeja has represented India in 197 matches, accumulating 2,756 runs at an average of 32.42. He has also claimed 220 wickets in the format at an average of 36.07, including a best bowling figure of 5/33.
Notably, Jadeja was a standout performer in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 12 scalps in five games. He played a crucial role in guiding India to victory in the tournament. Furthermore, Jadeja has been a consistent performer in the ICC Cricket World Cup, having reached the finals in 2019 and the semifinals in 2015. In his World Cup career, he has scored 254 runs and taken 27 wickets.
In T20Is, Jadeja has represented India in 64 matches, scoring 457 runs and claiming 51 wickets. He played a key role in India’s success in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2014, where they reached the finals, and the 2016 edition, where they made it to the semifinals.
When we take into account Jadeja’s performances across all formats of the game, the numbers speak for themselves. He has scored a total of 6,017 runs in 328 international appearances for India, including three centuries and 32 fifties. With the ball, he has taken an impressive total of 546 wickets.
Jadeja has also enjoyed success in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing various teams such as Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Lions, and Kochi Tuskers Kerala. In his IPL career, he has scored 2,692 runs and picked up 152 wickets, being an integral part of the Rajasthan Royals’ title-winning campaign and the Chennai Super Kings’ three IPL triumphs.
Throughout his career, Jadeja has been known for his incredible fielding skills, often pulling off stunning catches and run-outs that leave spectators in awe. His contributions with both bat and ball have often proved pivotal in winning matches for India.
As Ravindra Jadeja celebrates his 35th birthday, his journey as one of the finest all-rounders of the modern era continues. With his consistent performances and contributions to the Indian cricket team, Jadeja’s legacy as an elite player is set to endure for years to come.
