Ravi Shastri hails Ravindra Jadeja as one of India’s finest fielders with bold statement on his Test future

As the cricketing world continues to celebrate the T20I career of Ravindra Jadeja, the former Indian head coach and commentator Ravi Shastri hailed the star all-rounder’s exceptional fielding skills and future in Test cricket after his retirement from the shorter format of the game.

Shastri hailed Jadeja for his exceptional fielding skills, describing him as one of the finest fielders India has ever produced. The former Indian all-rounder added that Jadeja's agility, sharp reflexes, and athleticism on the field have set him apart from others and earned him acclaim from everyone.

Ravi Shastri lauds Ravindra Jadeja's fielding brilliance and strategic retirement from T20I cricket

While his ability to transform the dynamics of the game with his fielding has been a significant asset for the Indian cricket team, Shastri was happy that Jadeja retired from T20I cricket after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 last month, as being an all-rounder playing all three formats isn’t easy at all.

Jadeja, known for his electrifying presence on the field, has been a standout performer for Team India in all three formats of the game over the years, and his talent is not just acknowledged by fans but also by fellow cricketers and analysts. His athleticism has set a benchmark in fielding standards, making him a proper athlete in the world, according to Shastri.

Ravi Shastri said on ICC Review: “I think a dynamic fielder. I think one of the best fielders India has ever produced. One of the best in the world, and India can't boast of that for some length of time. Where you have, you know, a fielder recognized by every team, you know, every broadcaster, you know, every former player who says that this man is, you know, lightning on the field. Just the way he moves, he's a proper athlete.”

Ravindra Jadeja has had work done on his knees: Ravi Shastri

Jadeja's role in the team has always been multifaceted, combining exceptional fielding with significant contributions as an all-rounder. But he was careful about his choice in picking the formats with which he wanted to continue contributing to the Indian cricket team.

Shastri said that the physical toll, including previous knee surgeries, and then managing demands across the formats is not easy at all for an all-rounder, so stepping away from T20Is was the right choice, saying Jadeja has a lot of cricket to offer in Test cricket.

Shastri signed off by saying, “And I'm glad he's hung up his boots because I think he has time still in Test cricket and the one degree to contribute to India. You know, it's not easy for an all-rounder like him to play all three formats. You know, he's had work done on his knees as well. So, I'm glad he's a little, you know, careful in picking a couple of formats instead of all three. So, but while he was there, he was very, very handy for India.”

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