Credit where it's due: High time India recognises the match-winner Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja has been a cornerstone of the national team for over a decade, making vital contributions across all three formats. Whether with the bat, ball, or his electrifying fielding, Jadeja has established himself as one of India's most dependable cricketers. However, veteran off-spinner and Jadeja's perfect spin ally, Ravichandran Ashwin feels that the Saurashtra all-rounder doesn’t always get the recognition he rightfully deserves. Ashwin's observation proves spot on when considering how the fraternity reacted with shock to Jadeja's inclusion in India's ICC Champions Trophy squad.

Ashwin demands media to credit Ravindra Jadeja for his stature as a guaranteed match winner following India vs England ODI

Time and again, Jadeja has faced scrutiny over his selection in the team. However, the all-rounder is the rare case where most of the reaction is baseless because Jadeja justifies his place both as a spinner and a batter in the team. Most recently, the first India vs England ODI witnessed the mastery of the spinner. Jadeja once again showcased his match-winning abilities during the first ODI against England in Nagpur, delivering a stellar performance with the ball. He dismantled the English batting lineup with figures of 3/26 in his nine-over spell, playing a crucial role in restricting the visitors to a modest total of 248.

Highlighting Jadeja's performance, former spinner Ravi Ashwin lauded the all-rounder. Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja brought the golden period of the Indian team at home in the longer format. The spin duo rattled the visitors with their skill with Ashwin even emerging as India's highest wicket-taker in the format. Having closely watched Jadeja and his game, Ashwin called for the masses to credit Jadeja as much as he impacts the team's performance. Ashwin, furthermore, pointed out how Jadeja’s contributions are often overlooked.

“Our media fails to appreciate when a player does well. Whenever we lose, everyone becomes a villain. He dismissed Joe Root (in the 1st IND vs ENG ODI). Jadeja always goes under the radar. He is a ‘Jackpot Jango.’ He is +10 in the field, also bowls well and bats in pressure situations as well. We don’t give Jadeja enough credit,” Ashwin said.

Further discussing Jadeja’s natural talent, Ashwin went on to state that the left-arm all-rounder is inherently more gifted than he is. Jadeja recently reached a remarkable milestone, becoming only the fifth Indian bowler to take 600 international wickets. He now joins an elite club that includes Indian cricketing greats Anil Kumble (953), Ashwin (765), Harbhajan Singh (707), and Kapil Dev (697).

"Jadeja is way more gifted than I ever can be. He is a born athlete. His major advantages lie in his physical fitness. He is naturally fit. Even at this age, he can cover the entire area from long on to deep square leg while standing at mid-wicket. I wouldn’t be surprised. And I will be more than happy for him," Ashwin added.