Gautam Gambhir calls MS Dhoni’s trusted teammate 'highly underrated'

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has praised veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand. Gautam Gambhir called Jadeja an underrated and invaluable all-rounder for the team, stating that the Indian dressing room knows his value.

Jadeja has been a consistent performer for India over the years and has once again proven his worth in the Champions Trophy. The 36-year-old has taken four wickets in four matches at an average of 38.25 and an economy rate of 4.78. He scored 18 runs at an average of 18 and a strike rate of 85.33.

Ravindra Jadeja Has Always Gone Under the Radar - Gautam Gambhir

On Saturday, March 8, the ICC’s official Instagram account shared a video where Gautam Gambhir spoke highly of Jadeja for his all-round abilities. Gautam Gambhir emphasized that Jadeja is one of the top all-rounders in world cricket.

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"I've always felt that Ravindra Jadeja has always gone under the radar. I think he's someone who we don't speak highly about. See what he's done for Indian cricket. Be it Test format, be it T20I format or in 50-over format. I think he's very important to Indian cricket and what he's done. Not just with the bat or ball, in the field as well," said Gautam Gambhir.

"He's, I think, one of the top all-rounders going around in world cricket. We, in the dressing room, know the value of Ravindra Jadeja. We feel that the importance of Ravindra Jadeja is what it is in the dressing room and not what happens outside the dressing room," he added.

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Ravindra Jadeja's All-Round Performance for India Across Formats

Ravindra Jadeja made his ODI debut for India against Sri Lanka in 2009. He has scored 2,797 runs in 203 matches at an average of 32.52, including 13 fifties. With the ball, he has taken 230 wickets, with two five-wicket hauls. Jadeja was named Player of the Match in the Champions Trophy 2013 final.

Jadeja has featured in 80 Tests, scoring 3,370 runs at an average of 34.74, with 22 half-centuries and four centuries. He has taken 323 wickets, including 15 five-wicket hauls. Jadeja retired from T20Is after India's 2024 T20 World Cup victory, finishing with 515 runs and 54 wickets in 74 matches.

India to Face New Zealand in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final

India will clash with New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 9.

India, led by Rohit Sharma, have remained unbeaten in the tournament. They secured wins against Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand in the group stage, followed by a semi-final victory over Australia.

Meanwhile, New Zealand booked their spot in the final by defeating South Africa in the semi-finals. Their only loss in the tournament came against India in the Group A match.

The last time these teams met in an ICC ODI final was in the 2000 Champions Trophy, where New Zealand defeated India by four wickets in Nairobi.

Also read: India vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final commentary panel announced