Ravindra Jadeja is only 46 runs away from becoming one of the few Indian cricketers to score more than 2000 runs and take more than 200 wickets in the format.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is probably India's best cricketer across all formats. Starting off as a left-arm spinner with the ability to score runs down the order, the all-rounder has shown an exemplary spike in his batting. In the last three years, Jadeja has averaged 55.57 with the bat in Tests compared to an average of 36.18. Jadeja hasn't looked back since India's tour of England three years ago in the final Test at the Oval.
He is a partnership breaker, bullet batsman and arguably the best fielder in the world. From the supporting cast to R Ashwin, Jadeja has not only become India's most valuable player but has become a vital part of India's unit. The last time India and New Zealand played each other in an ICC event - the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup - Jadeja fought bravely with a scintillating half-century, but it was not enough for India to save the game. However, a little less than two years later, Jadeja would be back in a similar situation - in England, against New Zealand in the final of the World Test Championship for the first time.
While Jadeja will be trying his best, the all-rounder is on the verge of an impressive feat. Jadeja has 1954 runs and 220 wickets in Tests, which means he is only 46 runs away from scoring over 2000 runs and becoming one of the few Indian cricketers to take more than 200 wickets in the format. In fact, once Jadeja is there, he will become only the fifth Indian cricketer to do so and what better way to brighten up the occasion than during the big final of the inaugural WTC.
After scoring 46, Jadeja will join an iconic list and will be joined by Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Harbhajan Singh and R Ashwin. If he reaches there in the Southampton Test itself, Jadeja will become the fourth fastest bowler after Ian Botham (42), Imran Khan (50), Kapil (50) and Ashwin (51 Tests). Richard Hadlee has achieved this position in 54 Tests, Shaun Pollock 56 and former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns in 58 Tests.