It was indeed a worrying for India when Ravindra Jadeja was declared unfit during the Australian Test series. A shoulder injury had ruled him out of the series and, consequently, he was sent home for rehabilitation.
Because it was time for the tri-series to begin, selectors kept a close watch on Jadeja’s rehab program. As Drcricket7 predicted, he was eventually asked to join the team after being picked in the World Cup squad. Meanwhile, there were reports the left-arm spin all-rounder could miss the World Cup.
The team management exuded confidence Jadeja would be fit for the big tournament. He was, after all, being groomed for this event. His captain MS Dhoni was banking on the Saurashtra all-rounder for reasons more than one.
In the absence of Jadeja, another left-arm spinner, Axar Patel, was inducted into the playing XI to experiment how he copes with challenges. It became clearer that Patel has promise but not the experience to play against big teams like Australia and South Africa. Jadeja is miles ahead of Patel in this regard.
The tri-series brought on disappointment after disappointment for the Indians. As India kept losing these ODI matches, Dhoni’s conviction that Jadeja was the missing link in the lower-middle order kept get stronger. He felt Jadeja could do his bit with the bat, and strike a balance with the ball. Jadeja was getting match-fit and needed a little time to heal completely.
From the time his fitness issues have been resolved, Jadeja has come in handy for his team. No, his hasn’t been the spectacular success that a few of his team-mates have tasted thus far in the World Cup. But he has emerged a real asset for his side in the three matches he has played in this World Cup.
Modern-day cricket may be all about results, but the subtle contributions of certain players goes a long way in getting teams those desired results. Besides adding value to his team in the lower middle-order, Jadeja is an immaculate spinner and an excellent fielder.
With the bat, Jadeja has come into the crease when the situation has demanded the ball be thrashed. While bowling, he has done exactly what the captain ordered. As India’s World Cup dreams take root in a solid foundation laid during matches with Pakistan, South Africa and UAE, Jadeja’s stature as a key member of this squad is only growing.
