Ravindra Jadeja slams critics, dismisses 'white-ball specialist' tag after completing 300 Test wickets

India National Cricket Team all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja opened up about completing the 300 wickets for the team in Test cricket. He said that he's proud of himself because people always used to call him a white-ball specialist, and he is happy to improve his game.

Ravindra Jadeja, on Monday (30th September), achieved a massive feat in Test cricket. The all-rounder completed his 300 wickets in the longest format of the game for the India National Cricket Team, becoming the 7th bowler from the team to complete the feat.

Ravindra Jadeja achieved the feat when he removed Bangladesh bowler Khaled Ahmed in his 10th over of the first innings of the ongoing second Test against the Bangladesh National Cricket Team. The match between the teams is underway at the Green Park in Kanpur.

Jadeja, who has been the biggest match-winner for India in Test cricket, also became the first left-arm-spinner from India to achieve the feat. In his 74th Test match, he became the fourth fastest Indian to 300 wickets, joining Ravichandran Ashwin (54 matches), Anil Kumble (66 matches ) and Harbhajan Singh (72 matches).

While talking about his milestone, Jadeja said that he started his career as a white-ball cricketer and is proud of himself with the way he has achieved 300 wickets. Speaking to broadcasters after the end of Day 4, he explained:

"It's special (300 Test wickets). I've been playing Test cricket for 10 years, and I've finally reached this milestone. Feeling proud of myself. Always happy and excited whenever I wear the Indian jersey. As a youngster, I started in white ball cricket. Everyone used to say I'm a white-ball specialist."

I always look to give myself some time and understand the situation - Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja mentioned that his hard work over the years has paid off. He also talked about his batting, saying that he looks to understand the situation and reacts according to the ball. While talking about the game plan, he elaborated:

"Gradually, I improved my game, and it has paid off in the last few years. When I go for batting, I always look to give myself some time and understand the situation. I react to the ball and play my shots. We batted very well. Whatever we planned, we batted accordingly. Hopefully we get them out as early as possible."

Not only this, Ravindra Jadeja also completed the double of 3000 runs and 300 wickets. He became the second fastest to achieve the feat after Ian Botham did it in 72 Tests. Overall, the all-rounder has 3130 Test runs at 36.39 with four hundreds and 21 half-centuries. He has picked 300 wickets at an average of 24.

Jadeja will be extremely important for the Indian team going ahead into the Test season. They will be playing against New Zealand in three Tests followed by a five-match series in Australia and if the team has to fancy their chances of winning, they need the all-rounder to fire.