Ravindra Jadeja has once again made headlines by achieving a significant milestone in Test cricket. During the Kanpur Test match against Bangladesh, Jadeja picked up his 300th wicket, becoming the first left-arm spinner from India to reach this prestigious number. This achievement came when he caught Khalid Ahmed off his own bowling, marking a special moment in his career.
First Indian Left-Arm Spinner to Achieve This Feat
Jadeja’s 300 wickets make him the first Indian left-arm spinner to reach this mark, surpassing the previous record held by Bishan Singh Bedi, who took 266 wickets in Test cricket. Jadeja is now one of the top left-arm spinners globally to achieve this feat, standing alongside cricket legends like Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath (433 wickets) and New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori (362 wickets).
Joining the Elite Club of All-Rounders
Jadeja’s achievement goes beyond just his bowling prowess. He has now become only the third left-arm spinner in Asia to take 300 Test wickets and score over 3,000 runs. His all-round capabilities have set him apart, placing him among the world’s best all-rounders. Jadeja has reached this milestone faster than cricket greats like Kapil Dev and Imran Khan, completing 300 wickets and 3,000 runs in just 74 Test matches.
For comparison, Imran Khan reached this feat in 75 Tests, and Kapil Dev did it in 83 Tests. Only Ian Botham achieved this faster, doing so in just 72 Tests.
Outstanding Stats in Both Bowling and Batting
Jadeja’s statistics highlight his excellence. He has a better bowling average than Anil Kumble at the 300-wicket mark, with an average of 23.99 compared to Kumble’s 29.65. On the batting side, Jadeja’s Test batting average of 36.73 even surpasses Indian opener KL Rahul’s average of 34.13.
Jadeja’s remarkable all-round performance solidifies his place as one of the world’s top Test all-rounders, a position he holds due to his consistent contributions with both bat and ball.
Jadeja’s Success on the Global Stage
With his 300 wickets and over 3,000 runs, Ravindra Jadeja has firmly established himself as one of the finest cricketers India has ever produced. His skill, consistency, and ability to perform in all conditions make him a crucial player for the Indian cricket team.