Premier Australian batsman Steve Smith, widely regarded as the backbone of Australia’s batting lineup, has revealed that Ravindra Jadeja is the Indian player who annoys him the most on the field. Despite fierce competition with Indian cricket stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, it’s the all-rounder Jadeja who, according to Smith, constantly disrupts Australia’s plans.
India and Australia have developed a fierce rivalry in Test cricket over the past decade, with India holding the upper hand in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Since Australia’s 2-0 victory in the 2014-15 series, India has dominated, winning four consecutive series, including two historic triumphs on Australian soil in 2018/19 and 2020/21.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming BGT 2024/25 series, where the two cricketing giants will meet in a five-Test showdown, Smith shed light on why Jadeja, with his ability to influence the game with bat, ball, and in the field, is his most troublesome opponent.
In an exclusive interview with Star Sports, Smith shared, “Jadeja annoys me on the field, but it’s because he is such a great player. Whether it’s scoring crucial runs, taking important wickets, or pulling off stunning catches, he always manages to get involved in the game. It can be frustrating, but I have to admit he’s a phenomenal competitor.”
Smith’s candid admission highlights the significant role Jadeja plays in India’s success against Australia, with his all-round skills often proving to be a decisive factor in shifting the momentum of the game.
With the next edition of the BGT fast approaching, the stage is set for another thrilling contest, and players like Jadeja are sure to make their presence felt in the much-anticipated series.
