Sunday witnessed one of the most swashbuckling innings in IPL history. Ravindra Jadeja managed to hit 37 runs in 20th over to help Chennai Super Kings posting a stiff target against Royal Challengers Bangalore. He also contributed with three wickets to inflict the first defeat of IPL 2021 on RCB.
Bangalore was outplayed by CSK in all the departments with Ravinder Jadeja leading from the front. He scored 62 off 28 balls that included five sixes against Harshal Patel in the final over.
Jadeja’s wickets with the ball were priceless as they included Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers. The opposition had no answers to Jadeja on the day. Kohli spoke glowingly about Jadeja in his post-match interview on Sunday.
 “One guy completely beat us. Today his skill was there for everyone to see. He (Harshal Patel) bowled well and we will continue to back him. His two wickets of the set batters took the momentum away from CSK before Jaddu took it away in the final over.”
Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni was also happy that Jadeja got the extra deliveries to show up his batting skills. For some time now the question has been raised as to whether Jadeja should bat up the order or not. Over the past two years, Jadeja has improved his batting a lot and the stats speak for it. Ravindra Jadeja is scoring at a strike rate of 184 this year. His average is 98 which is almost double the average he had last season.
Even for the Indian team, Jadeja has played a significant role with the bat. He has been getting quick runs in the end and also has been excellent in pressure situations. His average has been 55 In ODI’s over the last year which makes him one of the most dangerous death batsmen. It is going to be interesting to see how CSK and the Indian team utilise Jadeja’s batting abilities in the future.