Published 13:12 IST, October 6th 2019
Bishen Bedi hails Jadeja as 'Unplayable Spinner'
Bishen Singh Bedi hailed Ravindra Jadeja and said that he is an 'unplayable spinner'. The former cricketer also stated that Jadeja is the best Indian fielder.
Not considered by many as a "classical" left-arm orthodox spinner, he still has the ability to "pitch-in" the 'red cherry' in those right areas to 'tweak' an opposition out. The 'perfect pitching' and the subsequent 'sharp turn' has been the hallmark of Ravindra Jadeja's bowling skills that have made him the fastest Indian bowler to reach the 200-wicket milestone in Test cricket. India's bowling attack led by R Ashwin and Jadeja dismantled the Proteas batting order with Mohammad Shami hitting the stumps on three occasions, piling more miseries on South Africa. Chasing a target of 395 runs, South Africa are now staring at a huge defeat with tailenders Senuran Muthuswamy and Dane Piedt trying to hold the fort for the visitors.
Bishen Bedi on Ravindra Jadeja
"Jadeja is especially lethal and unplayable in the fourth innings (opposition's 2nd innings) of a test match on Indian pitches where the visiting side fails to "negotiate" and collapse like a 'house of cards.' He is a terrific cricketer. He is in the game just about all the time. On Indian wickets he is a must, an absolute match-winner," legendary left-arm orthodox spinner Bishen Singh Bedi told Republic TV in an exclusive interview today.
Bishen Singh sums it up in a way only which he can. "Jadeja may not look as dangerous as he is. He may not be a classical left-arm spinner but very effective. Not a treat to the eyes but definitely a treat to the "fall of wickets" highlights package. Cricket has changed since our times. He is one such exponent. Now we really need players like Ravindra Jadeja." said Singh. The Jamnagar southpaw has also gained the confidence of Captain Virat Kohli, so much so that he was preferred ahead of senior colleague and a "seasoned campaigner" like Ravichandran Ashwin in recently concludes West Indies tour.
"Jadeja is the best Indian fielder" says Bishen Singh Bedi
"That shows how much he is an integral part of the present set up. He is undoubtedly the best Indian fielder and can be a good contributor in lower-middle order with the bat. A very good and effective all-rounder but primarily a wicket-taking bowler in the last innings of a test match" Bedi observed.
Updated 15:54 IST, October 6th 2019