IPL: 3 memorable contributions by Ravindra Jadeja in the tournament
During the inaugural edition of Indian Premier League (2008), Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne saw immense potential in a young 19-year-old and termed him as a special talent for the future, he is none other than Ravindra Jadeja.
His dynamic all-around ability in all three departments was one of the crucial factors in Rajasthan clinching the IPL trophy in 2008. In the 2nd season of IPL, Jadeja had a better outing by scoring over 290 runs and picking up 6 wickets in 10 games with an economy of less than 7. Despite his efforts, Rajasthan Royals couldn’t make it to top 4. Jadeja was banned from the 3rd season as he was found negotiating terms with other franchise.
He was picked up by Kochi Tuskers Kerala in the 4th season of IPL for $950,000 but his stint in this franchise was short-lived as the franchise was terminated post the season. He was picked by Chennai Super Kings for $2 million in the 5th season making him the most expensive player of the season. Jadeja has lived up to his reputation, giving a memorable performance for his side every now and then.
Let us look at the top 3 memorable performances by Ravi Jadeja in IPL history:
#3 36(33) and 4/33 vs Rajasthan Royals - 2014
Put into bat first Chennai Super Kings on a slow wicket at Dubai, the men in yellow had a slow start to their innings, scoring at just above run a ball before Brendon McCullum got out in the 6th over. Dwayne Smith, on the other hand, decided to cut loose and raced away to a 28-ball 50 before holing out to Shane Watson of the bowling of Stuart Binny. After Smith got out, wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals until Jadeja stepped in and resurrected the innings along with Mithun Manhas. From a precarious 74/5, the pair added valuable 27 runs for the 6th wicket before Manhas was dismissed in the 15th over.
Jadeja then found able support in Ravichandran Ashwin, as the pair added further 39 runs in the last 5 overs taking the team total to 140/6 in the allocated 20 overs. Jadeja scored a valuable 36 runs off 33 deliveries with 2 hits to the fence.
Chasing a modest total of 141, Rajasthan Royals got off to a sedate start losing both the openers Abhishek Nayar and Ajinkya Rahane before the mandatory powerplay of 6 overs. Jadeja broke the back of the top order by picking up crucial wickets of Sanju Samson, Shane Watson, and a well-settled Steve Smith. Although there was a lower order blitz from Dhawal Kulkarni (28 of 19 balls), Chennai were in complete control throughout. Rajasthan Royals fell short by 7 runs and for his all-around effort with the bat and ball, Ravindra Jadeja was awarded Man of the Match.