Just a little less than a week ago, when India’s preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup was announced, one couldn’t help but wonder, why was all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja picked in the team. There’s no doubt that he is one of the best in the world, but then his returns, especially with the ball had been scanty. Just look at his IPL 2024.
In the match prior to CSK vs PBKS on May 5, Jadeja only had five wickets in the tournament in 10 matches. His bowling average was sky-rocketing which is unlike him. And his batting, on the other hand, was not at all consistent. In fact, he had a strike-rate of only close to 130 in those 10 matches, that even had score of 57 vs LSG. In short, it was a bit of a headache for the Indian team management, with regards to the T20 World Cup, with their best all-rounder not firing all cylinders.
The Ravindra Jadeja Turnaround Good News For CSK & Team India
But Sunday’s match in Dharamsala just saw the best of Jadeja, who was due with the bat and the ball for a long time. He dismissed all his form woes with a knock of 43 from 26 deliveries first, and then bowling figures of 3/20, to take his side home. This was no ordinary performance, as he became only the second player after Shane Watson, to score more than 30 runs and pick up three or more wickets in an IPL match five times. That is some redemption!
Jadeja’s Now Excellent Stats in IPL 2024
Just one solid performance now has completely changed how Jaddu’s stats look now in IPL 2024. In 11 matches, he has eight wickets, at an average of 34. Most importantly, he has an economy rate of 7.26 that is brilliant. In the batting department, he has been a little slow, but his quickish 43-run innings has take the strike-rate this season to 135. But has a remarkable average of 50.
Asset for India in T20 World Cup
His arrival to form just makes him the front-runner to be in the playing XI for any match in the T20 World Cup. Not just his batting and bowling, but his gun fielding would prove to be crucial for India’s chances in the USA and the West Indies now. If he can just find a way to get his boundary-hitting mojo back, he could be just be the x-factor for India in the tourament.
