Ravindra Jadeja ten runs far from join elite list of Indian all-rounders.

One Indian all-rounder is not very far from joining the elite list which includes such legends as Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev Nikhanj. Ravindra Jadeja, the slow left-arm orthodox bowler who bats left-handed in the middle order for India, is on the brink of doing just that. Jadeja has taken a total of 171 one day wickets so far and has already scored 1990 runs in this format of the game. If he adds another ten runs to his total he will be the third Indian cricketer who has scored 2000 runs and bagged 150 wickets or more. This will be another feather in Jadeja’s cap.

Ravindra Jadeja made his debut against Sri Lanka on February 8, 2009. His highest score in an innings so far has been 87 runs and has the best bowling figures of 5 wickets for 36 runs against the West Indies at the Kennington Oval. All-rounders are much sought after in One Day cricket and Ravindra Jadeja has served India well by when called upon and has led India to victory in tight situations on a number of occasions.

We cannot forget Jadeja’s memorable 78 runs which he scored against England to lead India to a score of 234 runs along with Dhoni who scored a fighting 69 runs. When Jadeja walked in to bat, India was on a score of 5 wickets down for 57 runs. The match was interrupted by rain and India lost the match to England with the Duckworth- Lewis method coming into play.

Another Jadeja inning of note was when he scored 66 not out against New Zealand. India was stranded at 184 runs for 6 wickets and at one stage needed 130 runs to win from 14 overs. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja put on an 87 runs partnership for the seventh wicket before Aswin was out. In the last over India needed 18 runs to win of which Jadeja could manage only seventeen runs resulting in the match ending in a tie.

The Indian team has been short of quality all-rounders for a long time now. Among the players who have played for India in recent years, Jadeja stands out with his performance so far. He definitely deserves to be remembered as an all-around cricketer who played for India.