Ravindra Jadeja etched his name into Indian cricket history at the Wankhede Stadium, claiming his 14th five-wicket haul in Test matches and joining the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi in an exclusive club. His mesmerizing spell of 5/65 dismantled New Zealand's batting lineup, restricting them to a modest 235 on the opening day of the third and final Test.
Jadeja's performance was a masterclass in left-arm spin bowling, showcasing his exceptional control, guile, and ability to exploit the pitch conditions. He weaved a web around the Kiwi batsmen, picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals. His victims included the well-set Will Young, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, and Matt Henry.
This remarkable feat places Jadeja alongside Bedi as the Indian left-arm spinners with the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Interestingly, both spinners have also taken an equal number of wickets (76) across their 14 five-wicket hauls, further highlighting their remarkable consistency and impact.
While Bedi's five-wicket hauls were predominantly against Australia (5), followed by New Zealand (4) and England (4) and WI (1), Jadeja's success has come against a wider range of opponents. He has enjoyed the most success against Australia (5) and South Africa (3), with two five-wicket hauls each against New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and England.
This latest achievement adds another feather to Jadeja's already illustrious cap. He has established himself as one of India's most valuable assets in the Test arena, contributing both with the bat and ball. His ability to consistently deliver match-winning performances has made him an indispensable part of the Indian Test team.
