ENG vs IND 2025: Why Ravindra Jadeja remains India’s most valuable all-rounder?
In the world of cricket, some players shine bright with flair, some with consistency, and some quietly become the backbone of their team. Ravindra Jadeja falls into the rare category of all three. He might not always grab the headlines like a Kohli cover drive or a Bumrah yorker, but what Jadeja brings to the table is balance, reliability, and an unflinching spirit.
Today, as India continue to search for a dependable all-rounder in Test cricket, the answer has long been in front of them, Ravindra Jadeja.
Let’s start with what happened recently at Lord’s. India was staring at a painful defeat in the third Test against England, chasing 193 in tricky conditions. The team had collapsed to 82/7 on Day 5.
Most fans had already given up hope. But one man stood tall. Calm under pressure, Jadeja batted with immense maturity, first with Jasprit Bumrah and then with Mohammed Siraj. The conditions were tense, the bowlers were on fire, but Jadeja, known for his aggressive style, showed a different side, calm and composed batting. He took 150 balls to score a vital half-century. The television cameras kept zooming in, searching for emotion. But there was only stillness in his eyes, a determination to win.
Read More: ENG vs IND, 2025, 3rd Test, Day 5: India’s tail wags but falls short of 193 target; England 2-1 up
A cricketer who keeps evolving
Jadeja’s journey has not been a straight line. He has faced criticism, mockery, and being misunderstood more than most. Initially labelled as a white-ball specialist, useful mainly for his left-arm spin and quick cameos, he was often ignored in Test plans.
But he didn’t sulk, he adapted. He evolved from a lower-order hitter to a technically sound middle-order batter. From a spinner who was handy in helpful conditions to a match-winner on any surface.
Since January 2018, his numbers in Test cricket have been outstanding:
| Runs Scored | Batting Ave | Wickets | Bowling Ave |
| 2521 | 42.00 | 161 | 26.16 |
These are elite all-rounder stats. For comparison, Ben Stokes, considered one of the top all-rounders of this era, averages 34.85 with the bat and 30.61 with the ball in the same period. Shakib Al Hasan, another highly rated player, averages 30.75 and 29.62 respectively. Jadeja beats them both, with bat and ball.
Cricket often judges all-rounders using a simple but effective formula: batting average minus bowling average. The higher the number, the more valuable the player. Jadeja’s differential is an impressive 15.84 since 2018.
Read More: ENG vs IND, 2025: India batters’ report card after 3 Tests
Not just a home track bully
A common criticism Jadeja faces is that he performs only in Indian conditions. But a deeper look proves that this is just a perception. Yes, he has taken most of his wickets at home (238 out of 326), but his record abroad is far from poor. In fact, he has better bowling averages than many of India’s famed bowlers in countries like Australia and South Africa.
In England, Jadeja averages 38.76 in 29 innings, more than his average in India. That’s no small feat. He has also played valuable knocks in Australia, most notably the gritty 57 in the Melbourne Test in 2020, the game after India was bundled out for 36 in Adelaide. That innings helped India stage a historic comeback in the series.
Technique worth appreciation
One of Jadeja’s most underrated strengths is his batting technique. Raised on the slow, spinning tracks of Saurashtra, he has developed a rock-solid defence. His front-foot stride is long, his balance excellent, and his shot selection precise. Among current India batters, his technique is arguably the most reliable under pressure. He doesn’t have the elegance of a Kohli or the flair of a Pant, but he has control and patience.
Jadeja has also become a master of roles. He can play the counter-attacker, the anchor, the tail-ender shepherd, or the crisis-man.
What truly sets Jadeja apart is his mental strength. Time and again, he has shown the ability to step up when the team needs him most. Be it with the bat, ball, or in the field, where he remains one of the best in the world. His body language rarely changes. Whether India is dominating or fighting to stay in the game, Jadeja plays like it’s his last day on the field. He carries an old-school grit that you rarely see in modern cricket.
Read More: Where did India go wrong at Lord’s?
RAVINDRA JADEJA IN INTERNATIONAL CRICKET:
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 14, 2025
– 7018 runs.
– 611 wickets.
The Greatest all-rounder of Modern Era. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/1pkiEL7v8F
Why Jadeja must stay in the Test XI
Ravindra Jadeja brings the perfect balance to the India Test team. His presence allows India to play five specialist bowlers without compromising on batting depth. His flexibility with the bat is another major asset, he can seamlessly slot in anywhere between No 5 and No 8, depending on the team’s needs and the match situation. Whether it’s building a partnership, steadying a collapse, or launching a counterattack, Jadeja adapts with remarkable ease.
Beyond his batting and bowling, Jadeja is a complete match-winner. His dual contributions have often turned games on their head. His exceptional fitness and world-class fielding add another layer of value, he saves runs, takes sharp catches, and effects game-changing run-outs. With over 70 Test matches to his name, Jadeja also brings experience, calmness, and maturity, which are crucial in high-pressure situations.
Read More: Is Rishabh Pant the greatest wicketkeeper-batter in Test history?
