Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri (Credits - Twitter)

India head coach Ravi Shastri was a relieved man as his side convincingly beat Australia on day four of the second Test in Melbourne. With that victory, India levelled the four-match series that they started on a tame note in Adelaide. While the entire team contributed to the win, Ravi Shastri specifically lauded the balance Ravindra Jadeja brings.

Ravindra Jadeja, who returned to the playing eleven after missing the two out of three T20Is and the first Test, had an integral role to play. Jadeja contributed 57 runs and built a century stand with Ajinkya Rahane to revive India’s innings which was slightly in strife. With the ball in hand, the left-arm spinner took three wickets in the match and curbed the run-scoring equally.

Ajinkya Rahane, India, Australia
Ravindra Jadeja claimed two crucial wickets in the second innings. [Photo-Twitter]
It was indeed a remarkable comeback victory by India, who managed their lowest total of 36 in Test cricket in the second innings in Adelaide. In the absence of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, the youngsters stood up aptly to script an eight-wicket win. Debutants Mohammed Siraj and Shubman Gill also shone as they took five wickets and scored 80 runs respectively.

He is a genuine all-rounder and that’s why he bats where he is: Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri, Sourav Ganguly
Ravi Shastri (Image: Getty)

Ravi Shastri acknowledged Ravindra Jadeja as a genuine all-rounder, capable of batting at number five or six as the situation demands. Hence, he provides plenty of balance to any side. The former Indian cricketer admitted that with the possibility of one of the fast bowlers getting injured in overseas series, Jadeja provides a balance along with Ravichandran Ashwin when both are bowling.

“He is a genuine all-rounder and that’s why he bats where he is. He can bat at No.6 or even No.5, on given occasions but is a genuine all-rounder. That’s why he lends a lot of balance to the side. Also when we play overseas, there is a chance of one of the (fast) bowlers getting injured. You saw with Umesh Yadav. With Jadeja, you get that balance and also the fast bowlers get a respite with both Jaddu and Ash (R Ashwin) bowling,” Shastri said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

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