Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin heaped praise on Ravindra Jadeja, saying the all-rounder’s batting has gone a notch higher in the recent past. Ashwin’s comments came after Jadeja shone with 175 not out in India’s innings and a 222-run win over Sri Lanka in the first of a 2-Test series in Mohali. However, he also said that Jadeja is batting a bit too low in the Indian Test side and he would love to see him sent higher-up the batting order.
Jadeja hit 175 not out, his highest Test score in the first innings as India posted 574/8 declared before he turned to pick 9 wickets as Sri Lanka were bundled out for 174 and 178 in their two innings inside 3 days in Mohali.
“I think he has really come a long way in the last four-five years. The number he is batting is a bit low in my opinion. His batting has gone one notch higher. He knows what he is doing and it reflects in the way he is batting,” Ashwin said.
Jadeja has made crucial contributions with the bat, both at home and in overseas conditions in the recent past. Since 2018, Jadeja has hit 1194 runs in 23 Tests at an average of 47.76, which is well above his career average.
Skipper Rohit Sharma also said on Sunday that the team management is looking to make full use of Jadeja’s hunger to score big.
“To me, he is one of the top (allrounders) definitely. Look at the performances. To score 175 not out and take nine wickets in the game, he’s just upping his game every time we see him.
“In the past as well, when we played in India, his contribution with the bat lower down the order and taking those crucial wickets. You know, he just seems to be adding a lot more to his game every time he plays. He’s very hungry, as you can see. That hunger is something that drives athletes to move forward. I see that in Jadeja clearly. He’s quite hungry for success, for runs and to do well for the team,” Rohit said.
