Ravindra Jadeja’s resilient performance with the bat at the Gabba has reignited debates over his exclusion from the first two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The all-rounder’s gritty half-century, his 25th in Test cricket, proved crucial as India battled to avoid the follow-on against Australia. Fans and cricket pundits alike have criticized head coach Gautam Gambhir for benching the world’s No. 1 all-rounder, especially given Jadeja’s superior record in Australian conditions.
Jadeja and Rahul Anchor India’s Fightback
Day 4 of the third Test saw Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul leading India’s resistance against a dominant Australian attack. Rahul top-scored with a solid 84, while Jadeja played a pivotal knock of 53, raising hopes of a draw. Together, the duo stitched a 67-run partnership for the fifth wicket after India captain Rohit Sharma fell cheaply, edging Pat Cummins to Alex Carey for just 10 runs.
Jadeja’s innings, marked by his trademark sword celebration upon reaching fifty, was a reminder of his batting prowess. His partnership with Rahul steadied the innings before Steve Smith’s sharp catch at slips sent the opener back, leaving India vulnerable once again. Jadeja later combined with Nitish Reddy for a 53-run stand before Pat Cummins dismissed the young batter for 16.
Jadeja’s Exclusion Sparks Backlash
Jadeja’s omission from the first two Tests of the series has been a hot topic among fans and analysts. India opted for Washington Sundar in the opening Test in Perth and replaced him with Ravichandran Ashwin for the second match in Adelaide. However, both all-rounders struggled to make an impact. Sundar managed scores of 4 and 29 while taking three wickets, and Ashwin contributed just 22 and 7 with the bat, claiming only one wicket.
In contrast, Jadeja’s batting display at the Gabba has shown what India missed in the earlier matches. Although he went wicketless in the first innings, conceding 52 runs, his value as an all-rounder was evident with the bat. Fans expressed their frustration on social media, with many calling out Gambhir’s decision-making and questioning why the top-ranked all-rounder wasn’t given an opportunity earlier in the series.
Jadeja’s Record Stands Out
Jadeja’s batting statistics in Australia further underline his importance. His current average of 56.75 in Tests on Australian soil surpasses Indian greats like Sachin Tendulkar (53.20), Virat Kohli (50.96), and Cheteshwar Pujara (47.28). Among Indian batters who have faced at least 400 deliveries in Australia, Jadeja’s record is unmatched. His performances include notable knocks such as 81 in Sydney (2019), 57 in Melbourne (2020), and now 53 at Brisbane.
India’s Hopes Rest on Jadeja
As India continues to battle at the Gabba, much depends on Jadeja to guide the team to a respectable total. His composure and experience have already proven invaluable in challenging conditions, leaving fans questioning why such a player was sidelined earlier in the series. With the spotlight on Gambhir and the team management, Jadeja’s performance is a timely reminder of his all-round capabilities and irreplaceable role in the Indian Test setup.
