Cricket News: Two mega-event performances by Ravindra Jadeja show what India could miss at the T20 World Cup 2022
Termed as "Rockstar" by legendary spinner Shane Warne, Ravindra Jadeja stormed into the Indian team with his all-around heroics. An eccentric fielder and fearless batter with tremendous potential as a left-arm spinner, his utility as a player to the Indian cricket team is indispensable
Ravindra JadejaThe all-rounder has been troubled by his right knee for quite a long time. The injury has already given him a setback as he got ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022. And with this now, a shadow of doubt looms over his presence in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022.
Hoping he does recover and be a part of the World Cup squad, let's recall some of the heroic performances he gave in previous World Cup or other mega tournaments.
ODI World Cup vs New Zealand (2019)
India's dream of winning the World Cup was shattered in 2019 at Lords when India suffered an 18-run defeat against New Zealand. Chasing a 240-run target, the Indian top-order collapsed as they lost three wickets in 4 overs of the second innings.
However, Ravindra Jadeja coming to bat at number 8, joined MS Dhoni, with India reeling at 92/6. The bowling all-rounder played a valiant knock of 59-ball 77 to gain respect from cricket fans. At that time, he was entitled a "bits and pieces" cricketer by former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar inviting a verbal controversy.
Apart from a terrific performance with the bat, he gave an economy of just 3.40 in his ten-over spell and took a wicket.
ODI Champions Trophy vs West Indies (2013)
A five-wicket haul for the left-arm spinner against hard-hitting batters of West Indies gave India a winning edge in the match. In the game, Men in Blue were looking to stare at a big total; Ravindra Jadeja twirled the ball in such a way that most of them headed for the stumps but at different speeds.
He turned the game from West Indies being strong at 102/2 to 182/9, helping India clinch a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy.
The 2013 edition of the Champions Trophy turned the fate of Ravindra Jadeja, which looked to be not so good before that. The all-rounder further won Man of the Match in the ICC Champions Trophy finals against England and was awarded the "Golden Ball" for picking the most number of wickets, 12, in the tournament despite missing out on initial matches.
Like these two performances, the bowling all-rounder has turned many matches in the team's favour with his skills. In the first clash between India and Pakistan of Asia Cup 2022, his 29-ball 35 runs while chasing a target of 148 took the team towards the win.
His services are crucial for team India, and the team expects him to recover before the World Cup.