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In a surprising turn of events, after the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and modern-day great Virat Kohli, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has decided to bid farewell to T20 international cricket, marking the end of an illustrious chapter. Jadeja known for his dynamic prowess with both bat and ball, leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the shortest format of the game.
Jadeja’s decision to retire comes after an impressive career where he showcased his multifaceted skills across 74 matches. According to statistics, the 34-year-old amassed a total of 515 runs at a strike rate of 127.16. However, his true brilliance shone through his bowling, claiming 54 wickets with a notable economy rate of 7.13 runs per over. His ability to contain batsmen while also picking crucial wickets made him a formidable force in T20 cricket.
As Jadeja bids adieu to T20Is, the search for his successor in the Indian cricket team gains momentum.
3 players who can replace Ravindra Jadeja in T20Is
1) Riyan Parag: The Young Maverick
Riyan Parag, at just 22 years old, has already made a name for himself with his dynamic performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. Born on November 10, 2001, in Assam, Parag’s career graph has been on a steady rise. Let’s delve into his T20 career statistics:
- Batting: In T20s, Parag has showcased his ability to score quick runs, amassing 1173 runs in 69 matches at an impressive strike rate of 135.14. His highest score of 84 underscores his potential as a game-changer.
- Bowling: As a part-time bowler, Parag has proven handy with his leg-spin, claiming 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.65 runs per over in domestic matches.
Parag’s versatility with the bat and his knack for picking up crucial wickets make him a promising prospect in the T20 format, ideally suited to fill Jadeja’s shoes in the future.
2) Washington Sundar: The Consistent Performer
Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Washington Sundar has established himself as a reliable all-rounder for India, showcasing maturity beyond his years. Born on October 5, 1999, Sundar has garnered attention for his composed performances in high-pressure situations. Here are his T20 career statistics:
- Batting: Sundar has scored 107 runs in 15 T20I innings for India with a strike rate of 150.7, including a top score of 50. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him a valuable part of the side.
- Bowling: Sundar’s off-spin has been effective, claiming 34 wickets at an economy rate of 7.2 runs per over. His ability to contain runs and take wickets in crucial moments enhances his utility in the Indian team setup.
Sundar’s temperament and all-round skills make him a strong contender to succeed Jadeja, capable of contributing consistently with both bat and ball.
Also READ: 3 potential successors to replace Rohit Sharma in T20Is for Team India
3) Krunal Pandya: The Experienced Campaigner
The elder of the Pandya brothers, Krunal Pandya brings a wealth of experience to the table, having proven himself in domestic cricket and the IPL. Born on March 24, 1991, in Gujarat, Pandya has been a stalwart in Lucknow Supergiants’ lineup and has made significant strides in international cricket.
- Batting: Pandya has been a powerful middle-order batsman, scoring 1647 runs in 111 IPL innings at a strike rate of 132.82, with a highest score of 86*. His ability to accelerate in the death overs makes him a valuable asset.
- Bowling: Pandya’s left-arm spin has been effective, claiming 117 wickets at an economy rate of 7.37 runs per over. His ability to break partnerships underlines his importance to any team.
Pandya’s experience, coupled with his match-winning abilities in pressure situations, makes him a strong candidate to fill the void left by Jadeja’s potential departure from international cricket.
As the Indian cricket team looks to transition in the post-Jadeja era, the emergence of Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar and Krunal Pandya highlights the depth of talent in the country’s cricketing ranks. The decision on who will eventually fill this role will depend on form, fitness, and performance in upcoming tournaments. With their abilities and determination, these players are poised to make significant contributions to Indian cricket in the years to come.