World Cup 2019: How Ravindra Jadeja has turned into Indian cricket's 'super sub'
India's World Cup campaign so far has been driven forward by a few names, such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. These players have been exceptional, and their individual brilliance has been enough to carry the team to victory every single time.
But in the midst of India's unbeaten run has been the team's super sub, Ravindra Jadeja. Ever since the game against Australia, where Shikhar Dhawan got hit by a Pat Cummins bouncer, Jadeja has been a regular on the field and he's been doing a wonderful job.
There's been a lot of talk about three-dimensional players in Indian cricket (sorry Ambati Rayudu), but no player in that dressing room other than maybe Hardik Pandya is as three-dimensional as Jadeja. With Jadeja, you can get a quickfire 20-odd, 10 overs for 40 and a game-changing moment in the field, which is why his inclusion in the side was a must.
This World Cup, Jadeja hasn't found a place in the starting XI yet, but has been making his impact felt through his efforts on the field. Every game, he makes a difference by saving at least 5-10 crucial runs. He is India's primary utility man.
Many thought his career with the national team was done when the spin twins Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal as well as Hardik Pandya arrived. But Jadeja has kept his self-belief through it all, and fought for his place in the side.
It seems like yesterday but it was 10 years ago when Jadeja exploded on to the scene via the IPL under Shane Warne. Rajasthan Royals won that inaugural edition of the tournament, and Jadeja hasn't looked back since.
It was believed at the start that his limited overs style of cricket wouldn't last in Tests, but he went ahead and did even better in the longer format.
In football, we've seen many super subs, including the likes of Solskjaer and Chicharito. But Jadeja might be cricket's first, and he could play a big role in helping India lift the World Cup.
Jadeja's time may not have come yet and when it does, the fans know that he will come out all guns blazing, or should I say all swords swinging. But until then, he is the super sub that gives India a spark in the field and makes the difference between an imposing total and a gettable one.
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