Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has criticized all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for his inability to win Test matches for India in overseas conditions, despite Jadeja’s recent unbeaten century of 107 runs in Manchester that helped India secure a draw in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford.Jadeja’s innings proved crucial in Manchester as he tackled the uneven bounce on the final day, with Washington Sundar providing support from the other end. The partnership helped keep the series alive for India.“I have praised Jadeja a lot. Kapil Dev was a bowling all-rounder, and he won a lot of Tests for India in overseas. But Jadeja has done well in the supporting role away from home. He bowls his overs quickly and executes restrictive bowling, but he is unable to win Test matches, and it has been evident since the first Test,” Sidhu said on his YouTube channel.The criticism of Jadeja intensified after India’s recent 22-run defeat at Lord’s. Both teams had scored 387 runs after day three, but the Lord’s pitch became challenging in the last four days.India managed to bowl out England for 192, setting themselves a target of 193 runs. However, England’s fast bowlers, led by Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer, reduced India to 58/4 and later 112/8.
Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 61, was the last recognized batsman with India still needing 81 runs for victory. He attempted to fight alongside tail-enders Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.The match ended when spinner Shoaib Bashir dismissed Siraj, with the ball’s overspin causing it to hit the stumps. India ultimately fell short by 22 runs.
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During the resistance, Jadeja’s approach was notably conservative, as he avoided rotating the strike or attempting boundary shots.Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin suggested that a more positive approach from Jadeja could have resulted in India leading the series 2-1 instead of facing a deficit.Jadeja’s performance has been a topic of discussion among cricket experts, with many questioning his ability to deliver match-winning performances in challenging overseas conditions.
