Ravindra Jadeja impresses on Ranji Trophy return, inspires Saurashtra's win with 12 wickets

The ongoing round of the Ranji Trophy has drawn significant attention as the stalwarts of Indian cricket return to the domestic scene. Following a dismal Test season that ended with India losing their hold on the Border Gavaskar Trophy after a decade, the BCCI tightened its stance on player participation. Players not engaged in international assignments were mandated to feature in domestic cricket. As a result, the ongoing Ranji Trophy includes Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant in action. However, Virat Kohli, who was also expected to participate, has delayed his involvement due to a neck injury.

Ravindra Jadeja dismantles Delhi with a 10-wicket haul for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy clash

All returning players from the Indian setup, except all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, delivered disappointing performances in the tournament. Unlike Rohit Sharma, who last played in the domestic circuit a decade ago, Jadeja featured in the previous Ranji Trophy season. His familiarity with the conditions was evident as the Indian all-rounder inspired Saurashtra to a dominant victory over Delhi.

Multiple Indian team stars failed to perform across Ranji Trophy group stage fixtures as the next round of the tournament kicked off on Thursday. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer struggled with the bat against Jammu and Kashmir. Shubman Gill, leading Punjab on his return, faltered against the lively pace attack of Karnataka. Meanwhile, Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant witnessed Jadeja's onslaught as Delhi faced Saurashtra in Rajkot. With a five-wicket haul on the opening day of the game, Ravindra Jadeja proved that not every member of the Indian Test side is struggling with a loss of form in the red-ball format.

Ravindra Jadeja stood out with a stellar performance for Saurashtra in Rajkot. The left-arm spinner claimed 12 wickets, spearheading his team’s emphatic victory over Delhi at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground. Unlike Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant, Jadeja has consistently shown his commitment to Saurashtra’s domestic campaigns. This familiarity with the format and conditions was on full display as he dismantled Delhi’s batting line-up on a spin-friendly pitch, aided by fellow left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja. The duo took 16 wickets between them, helping Saurashtra secure a 10-wicket win by comfortably chasing down a 12-run target in the second innings. Jadeja also contributed with the bat, scoring a crucial 38 off 36 balls in Saurashtra's first innings.

Ravindra Jadeja’s 12-wicket haul took his first-class wicket tally beyond 550, a significant milestone for a primary prospect in the Indian team. Saurashtra’s first-innings total of 271, built around Harvik Desai’s 93, gave them an 83-run lead as Delhi managed just 188 in response. Jadeja’s brilliance proved too much for Delhi in their second innings as well, where they crumbled for just 94 runs, with the left-arm spinner claiming seven wickets.

Lined up ahead for the star all-rounder is the three-match ODI series at home against England. With the Indians falling back into the 50-over format rhythm during the England Tour of India, they aim for a favorable result in the ICC Champions Trophy. Ravindra Jadeja has been named in the India squad for the marquee event, which kicks off on February 19 in Pakistan. India will play all its matches in Dubai, with their campaign starting against Bangladesh on February 20.