IND vs NZ 2021: Ravindra Jadeja Has Improved As A Batsman But Has Come Down As A Bowler: Kapil Dev

Former Indian captain Kapil Dev said that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has improved his batting, but his bowling is not up to the mark.

Jadeja remained unbeaten on 50 at the end of Day 1 as India’s score read 258 for four wickets down after 84 overs.

Ravindra Jadeja scored 50 in the first innings

Jadeja made 50 runs from 100 balls and was involved in an inseparable partnership of 113 with debutant Shreyas Iyer, who stayed not out on 75.

Jadeja played two brilliant shots against Kyle Jamieson in the 82nd over. He first glanced nicely to put one boundary in the square-leg region. Then, he followed it with a punch, playing at the backfoot, towards the cover area for successive boundaries.

On Day 2, Jadeja did not add anything on the second day as he got knocked by New Zealand pacer Tim Southee.

Ravindra Jadeja is not performing as a bowler as he used to: Kapil Dev

Jadeja played some great cameos in England with the bat but could only manage to pick six wickets from four matches.

Even against New Zealand, he could not get a wicket on the second day after bowling 14 overs. In fact, none of the Indian bowlers were able to get any wicket.

Kapil Dev feels Jadeja is growing as a batter, but his bowling form is dipping at the same time.

“Ravindra Jadeja is a fabulous cricketer. Unfortunately, he has improved as a batsman but has come down as a bowler. When he started out, he was a far better bowler, but now he is a far better batsman and every time India need him, he will get runs, but he is not performing as a bowler as he used to,” Kapil Dev told reporters at the ICC RCGC Open.

India were bowled out for 345, and in its response, New Zealand openers Tom Latham (50) and Will Young (75) remained unbeaten in an unbeaten stand of 129 at the end of Day 2.

Also Read: Watch – Ravindra Jadeja Bowled By Tim Southee Early On Day 2