- August 8, 2025
Let’s not sugarcoat it – when discussing India’s premier match-winners, Kohli, Bumrah, and Rohit all come to mind. But, after the storied 2-2 Test series versus England in 2025, it may not be those names occupying our minds, but Ravindra Jadeja, and that is amazing. And, of course, it isn’t just fanfare; cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar recently admitted publicly that what many have been thinking for many years – “He doesn’t get that much credit.” And with one line, writes the life story of a man who has, largely, quietly and reliably been the backbone of the Indian team across the formats.
The MVP Hiding in Plain Sight
516 runs. An average of 86. One century. Five fifties. Seven wickets.
Such averages aren’t just good for a lower-middle order all-around; they’re elite averages for a specialist batter. Still, despite these efforts, Ravindra Jadeja is rarely the star of the show. Why? Perhaps because he doesn’t carry the swagger of Pant or the authority of Kohli. But what he does bring with him is unblemished consistency, and 2025 was a fine example of that.
Tendulkar referred to him as “underrated,” which he is. Tendulkar is right. In an era where flamboyant stroke-makers hog the spotlight, it’s easy to miss the quiet brilliance of Jadeja—his grit, sharp cricketing brain, and knack for turning games in India’s favor. The Test win at The Oval? It doesn’t happen without Jadeja holding the batting innings together and dismissing key batsmen for the team. Jadeja is the one who walks in after the top order has failed—and continues to tick the scoreboard over.
KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant: The Other Silent Heroes
While Jadeja deserves the main stage here, let’s not forget the other architects of India’s impressive away performance—KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.
Rahul’s 532 runs came with a calmness and maturity we’ve long hoped to see from him. According to Tendulkar, his shot selection and discipline outside the off-stump were “one of the best” he’s seen. And when Sachin says that, you sit up and listen. Rahul didn’t just score runs—he frustrated bowlers, soaked up pressure, and set the tone at the top.
And then there’s Rishabh Pant—the wildcard who has now mastered the art of controlled aggression. Before missing the final Test with a fractured toe, Pant smashed 479 runs at a strike rate and average most top-order batters would envy. Two centuries. Three fifties. And now, he stands as India’s most prolific Test centurion among wicketkeepers.
Why Jadeja’s Praise Is Bigger Than Just Words
Sachin Tendulkar giving Jadeja this nod isn’t just a passing compliment—it’s a validation that could shift the narrative around him. For years, Jadeja has been India’s “utility player.” Bat a bit. Bowl a bit. Field like a ninja. But now, he’s rewriting his role.
He’s not only the guy who can do a bit of everything. He’s now the guy who does everything well. And he does it, without needing the spotlight that so many others seek. But, maybe, just maybe, it’s time to start giving a little bit of spotlight to the guy who does the hard things—and delivers when it matters!
If cricket is a team game, Jadeja is the teammate that every captain desires and dreams of – reliable, fierce, and incredibly valuable. And now that Sachin has spoken, maybe the world will take notice.
