Ravindra Jadeja reveals he ‘didn’t know’ he surpassed Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan in India’s elite list of bowlers

Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has revealed that he was unaware that he had surpassed renowned pacers Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma to become India’s fifth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. On a hot day in Mumbai, the stars aligned perfectly for Jadeja, setting the stage for him to showcase his prowess with the red ball. With another five-wicket haul, Jadeja overtook Zaheer and Ishant in what was a significant achievement in his illustrious career. Reflecting on his performance for India, Jadeja candidly admitted that he was unaware of his milestone. “Getting an A for India in Tests is always special. I didn’t know this. I usually check my stats when I’m not playing. It feels good to know that I am progressing and taking wickets,” Jadeja remarked at the end. Day 1.

In his outstanding spell, Jadeja took five wickets, conceding 65 runs in 22 overs, at an economy rate of 3.00.

The Wankhede Stadium witnessed a stellar performance from the 35-year-old as his Test cricket tally rose to 314 wickets. Before this match, Zaheer and Ishant led the way with 311 wickets each in their illustrious careers.

A constant element of Jadeja’s spell has been his tactical change of pace, causing the ball to either turn sharply or skid off the surface.

Discussing the pitch, Jadeja explained: “You have to change the pace on this wicket. You can’t play too slow; There is a rebound, but the pace is slow. You need to engage your shoulder and add more rotation to create bounce.”

India will begin the second day with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant in the starting XI as the hosts look to close a 149-run deficit.

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