The move of Ravindra Jadeja to No. 5 in India’s 4th Test versus England at the Kennington Oval in London drew a lot of attention. On Thursday, September 2, Jadeja batted ahead of Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant, the vice-captain, and Rishabh Pant, respectively. The lefty has been there from the start with a couple of 4’s before being bowled by Chris Woakes in the final delivery of the 30th over. Here is Shardul About Bringing Jadeja At No.5.

Shardul About Bringing Jadeja At No.5

After Jadeja’s departure, India were reduced to 69 for the loss of 4 wickets, with Virat Kohli in the middle. Meanwhile, fast bowler Shardul Thakur remarked about why Jadeja has put ahead of Rahane and Pant, two specialized hitters. According to him, Jadeja is a match-winner who is similar to Pant in terms of game-changing skills.

“I think everyone was thinking about it for a long time and whether Rishabh goes or Jadeja goes, it doesn’t really matter because both of them are match-winners. We have seen that on a number of occasions Jadeja has scored crucial runs and coming to England,” Thakur said.

Just to use that left-right combination we sent him up the order: Thakur

Jadeja scored 56 and 40 in the first 2 Tests and appeared to be in terrific form with the bat. Shardul discussed his skills to dominate the crease and withstand attack. He further said that Jadeja was given the command to keep the left-right combo going.

“If you saw his batting in the first Test and also at Lord’s in the first innings, he’s been trying to stay on the pitch, he’s batting patiently, and just to use that left-right combination we sent him up the order,” he added.

India’s batsmen had a bad day, as they were dismissed for 191 in 61.3 overs. Kohli hit a 96-ball 50 to keep his team in the contest at the top. Until Ollie Robinson got rid of him in the final ball of the 43rd over, his attack was packed with 8 fours.

Thakur contributed with a 36-ball 57 that included 7 fours and 3 sixes. With 7 wickets remaining in their first innings, England were behind by 138 runs at the end of Day 1.

Also read: If Kohli Performs Like This 100 Is Around The Corner: Vaughan