IND vs NZ, 3rd Test: Ravindra Jadeja becomes 5th highest wicket-taker for India in Tests

Mumbai: Ravindra Jadeja on Friday reached a significant milestone in his cricketing career by becoming India’s fifth-highest wicket-taker in Test matches with 312 wickets on day one in the third test against New Zealand in Mumbai.

Jadeja removed Will Young, Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips in the second session on Friday to move up in the list. He followed it up with the wickets of Ish Sodhi and Matt Henry to claim his 14th Test five-wicket haul.

By surpassing Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, both of whom concluded their careers with 311 Test wickets, Jadeja has cemented his place among India’s elite bowlers.

This achievement places him in distinguished company, alongside legendary bowlers like Anil Kumble, India’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 619 Test dismissals; Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja’s current spin partner with 533 wickets; Kapil Dev, the iconic all-rounder with 434; and Harbhajan Singh, with 417.

Jadeja’s rise in the rankings underscores his adaptability and value as a consistent all-rounder. Known initially for his prowess in limited-overs cricket, he transformed his game to thrive in Test cricket, where his left-arm orthodox spin became a potent force.

His ability to contain runs while consistently taking wickets, especially on subcontinental pitches, has made him an indispensable part of India’s bowling attack. Jadeja’s partnership with Ashwin has created a formidable spin duo, particularly effective on home soil, often dismantling visiting batting lineups.

Beyond his wicket-taking, Jadeja’s sharp fielding and dependable batting have added depth to his role in the team. His knack for providing breakthroughs at critical junctures keeps India competitive, even under challenging conditions. Now at age 35, Jadeja still has time to challenge Harbhajan’s 417 wickets and possibly Kapil Dev’s 434, further solidifying his legacy in Indian cricket.

Jadeja’s journey from Saurashtra to one of India’s most reliable Test players reflects his resilience, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His achievements resonate with fans worldwide, who have watched him evolve into a stalwart of the game.

With each wicket, he not only elevates his standing in the record books but also fortifies his position in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts, symbolising the heights that can be reached through dedication and skill. As he continues his career, fans eagerly await the records he may still break and the legacy he is bound to leave in Indian cricket.