Ravindra Jadeja scored a half-century at the Gabba. His exclusion in the first two Tests against Australia was questioned. Fans criticized head coach Gautam Gambhir for overlooking him. Jadeja’s century in the previous match helped India level the series. He formed a crucial partnership with K L Rahul.
On day 4 at the Gabba, Jadeja and KL Rahul stitched a crucial partnership that provided much-needed solidity to India’s innings. Rahul played a good 84 runs, and Jadeja’s 25th Test half-century provided stability. It gave India a window not to follow on and to push for a draw. It became even more important when captain Rohit Sharma got out early, scoring just 10 runs.
Fan Outrage Over Initial Omission of Jadeja
His excellent performance made the fans wonder why this all-rounder could not have been included in the earlier matches. India had selected Washington Sundar at Perth and then replaced him with Ravichandran Ashwin at Adelaide. However, both the all-rounders were not highly effective. Sundar has scored 4 and 29 runs and also picked three wickets. Ashwin managed one wicket and scored 22 and 7 runs. Conversely, the batting skill of Ravindra would have played to their advantage since it is a day-night Test match in Adelaide, and conditions were trying.
Even his batting average in Australia is testimonial to Jadeja’s batting. At an average of 56.75, Jadeja surpasses some Indian cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar at 53.20, Virat Kohli at 50.96, Cheteshwar Pujara at 47.28 and Rohit Sharma at 26.68 among the batsmen of the land who have faced 400+ balls against Australia in Tests. The figure itself is a fantastic one speaking for his consistent batting in Australian soil.
Gambhir Faces Backlash over Selection Choices
Given Jadeja’s top rank and proven track record, his exclusion from the initial Tests has received sharp criticism towards the head coach Gautam Gambhir. Fans and analysts are asking questions about the decision to bench a player like Jadeja in such a match.
Jadeja and his All-Round Contribution
Although he was wicketless, his bowling leaked 52 runs; in batting, however, he reassured himself as the world’s top all-rounder. His batting adds the kind of depth to the Indian side that was most missed in the first Test matches.
India Lower Order Stages a Canny Comeback
After Jadeja, Nitish Reddy and the left-handed batsman added a further 53 runs for the eighth wicket, in a nutshell, India tightened the noose. Reddy was to fall for 16 but tail-enders, India, Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, showed some resistance. Together they were unbeaten for 39 off 54 balls, thus ruling out the follow-on from the contest and showing the guts of the team.
Selection Strategies Under Scrutiny
Jadeja’s performance here at the Gabba has not been highlighting his brilliance alone. His performance has brought discussions into the selection strategies of India as well. The more discussion continues, more does the importance of optimal team selection come on board, especially while facing something like Australia.