IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Almost five years ago, playing at the same venue in Mumbai, Jayant Yadav batting at No. 9 had hit a hundred – becoming the first Indian to achieve the feat. In his marathon 204-ball innings, the Haryana all-rounder amassed 104 runs, hitting 15 boundaries in the process. Follow IND vs NZ 2nd Test Live on InsideSport.IN.
Moreover, the 31-year-old partnered for 241 runs with Virat Kohli – who hit a double (235) as India won the match against England by an innings and 36 runs.
IND vs NZ 2nd Test: After historic century in 2016, Jayant Yadav returns to India XI after almost 5 years
In February 2017 – Within a span of four months – Jayant Yadav went on to play his fourth Test in a span of four months but that happened to be his last until today (December 3). He injured his finger and eventually fell out of favour.
The off-spinner was included in the playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium after the injury of star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. BCCI in a press release revealed that Jadeja suffered a right forearm injury during the 1st Test match in Kanpur.
Jayant returned to domestic cricket in 2018-19 season and picked up 10 wickets in 6 matches, and in the 2019-20 season picked up 9 wickets in just 2 games.
In the absence of any other option and in expectation that the shaved grasses could help the spinners, the Indian team management has given another go to Jayant, who has scored over 2,000 runs and also averages 26.48 with the bat in first-class cricket. The Delhi-born has three hundreds and nine fifties to his name in red-ball cricket at the professional level.
India have made two more changes in the playing XI for the match. Virat Kohli has returned back to lead the team and replaces injured Ajinkya Rahane. Also, Mohammed Siraj has filled in for Ishant Sharma – who injured his finger during Kanpur Test.
IND vs NZ 2nd Test: After historic century in 2016, Jayant Yadav returns to India XI after almost 5 years