MS Dhoni, the renowned Indian captain, commented 15 years ago about Ravindra Jadeja’s potential to become a true all-rounder. Jadeja has struggled to secure a permanent berth in India’s lineup, and he typically contributed more with the ball than the bat. Dhoni’s words reappeared in 2025, following Jadeja’s match-saving century in Manchester.
Before a final against Sri Lanka in 2010, MS Dhoni commented about Jadeja’s ability and potential as a game changer.
Fast forward to 2025, and the seasoned all-rounder has established himself as one of the most trustworthy players, able to contribute in all three areas.
“Jadeja needs to contribute more with the bat.” When he joined the squad, he was mostly a batter with the ability to bowl. However, he has developed into a specialist bowler. He bowls at the death and during the Powerplays. So I believe he has the best potential to become an all-rounder. The lack of an all-rounder is a major worry. If you wish to play with five bowlers, one or two of them should bat.
Jadeja has the potential. He has performed effectively in both the IPL and domestic games. He now has a number of opportunities on the world stage, and we hope he takes advantage of them. He has performed admirably in the bowling department, earning the title of “specialist bowler.” We hope he stands out with his batting performance because he is the type of player who can provide stability at numbers six and seven. There aren’t many players who can fill the gap right now,” Dhoni stated ahead of India’s final match against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Jadeja equals Sir Garfield Sobers’ record
Meanwhile, Jadeja in the just-concluded fourth Test at Old Trafford played a magnificent knock. With India struggling after conceding a 244-run first-innings lead, Jadeja produced one of the finest innings of his career. His unbeaten 107, along with Washington Sundar’s century and Shubman Gill’s ton, helped the visitors pull off a remarkable draw at 425/4 after being 0/2 at one stage.
Jadeja batted for over five sessions and helped India not lose any more wickets. In doing so, he equaled Sir Garfield Sobers’ record from 1966 for the most fifty-plus scores (five) at No.6 or lower in a single Test series in England. His performances in this series, 89, 69*, 72, 61*, 20, and 107*, have led to the resurfacing of Dhoni’s long-ago prediction about his batting capabilities.
Apart from Manchester innings, Jadeja also became only the third visiting cricketer to score over 1000 runs and take 30+ wickets in England, joining legends like Sobers and Wilfred Rhodes. He now shares the record for most 50+ scores at No.6 or lower in England as a visiting batter (9), again tied with Sobers.
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