Ravindra Jadeja, known for his all-round abilities on the field, is on the cusp of joining a very exclusive group of players in Test cricket. As India prepares for the Kanpur Test starting on 27th September, Jadeja is just one wicket away from completing 300 wickets in Test matches. With 3122 runs already in his tally, this milestone will place him among cricket’s elite players who have achieved the ‘Grand Double’ of 300 wickets and 3000 runs in Test cricket.
A Rare Feat in Cricket
Jadeja’s achievement will be significant, as only 10 players in the history of cricket have managed to achieve this record. These include iconic names like Shane Warne, Kapil Dev, Stuart Broad, and Imran Khan. Among Indian cricketers, only Kapil Dev and Ravichandran Ashwin have previously reached this mark.
Jadeja, often regarded as one of the most versatile cricketers in the Indian team, does not always get the limelight despite his consistent performances. Whether it is with the ball, bat, or in the field, Jadeja’s contributions often go underappreciated, yet they play a vital role in India’s victories.
Outshined but Undeterred
There have been several moments where Jadeja’s performances have been overshadowed by his teammates. A prime example occurred during India’s 280-run win against Bangladesh, where Jadeja contributed a crucial 86 runs and took five wickets. However, the focus largely remained on Ashwin, who scored a century and took six wickets in the match.
Despite this, Jadeja’s resilience and all-round brilliance continue to inspire his teammates. Ravichandran Ashwin himself has openly spoken about how Jadeja’s performances push him to improve. Ashwin admitted that while they may compete on the field, Jadeja’s achievements motivate him.
The Exclusive 300-3000 Club
The ‘300 wickets and 3000 runs’ club includes cricket legends such as Shane Warne, Daniel Vettori, and Shaun Pollock. Now, with just one wicket remaining, Jadeja is poised to etch his name alongside these greats. Together, Jadeja and Ashwin have amassed more than 6500 runs and over 820 wickets in Test cricket, solidifying their place as two of India’s finest all-rounders in the sport’s history.
