• Speculation about Ravindra Jadeja's retirement surfaced after his recent social media post went viral.

  • Ravichandran Ashwin backed Jadeja as a surprise pick for India’s new Test captain.

Fact Check: Did Ravindra Jadeja hint at retirement with a cryptic social media post?
Did Ravindra Jadeja hint about his retirement with a cryptic post over social media? (Image source: X)

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Ravindra Jadeja, the star Indian all-rounder, recently sparked a wave of speculation among cricket fans after sharing a cryptic post on Instagram. The post featured a picture of Jadeja in his Test whites accompanied by a message thanking fans for their well-wishes. Given the recent retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, many fans wondered if Jadeja was hinting at his own retirement from the format. However, a closer look reveals that the story behind Jadeja’s post is quite different and far from retirement rumours.

The truth behind Ravindra Jadeja’s viral post

The real reason behind Jadeja’s Instagram post was to express gratitude for the overwhelming congratulatory messages he received after achieving a remarkable milestone. Jadeja has held the No. 1 position in the ICC Test rankings for all-rounders for the longest duration ever-1,153 days since March 2022-surpassing cricketing legends like Imran Khan, Kapil Dev, and Jacques Kallis. This achievement underscores his consistent excellence with both bat and ball in the longest format of the game.

Jadeja’s performance since reclaiming the top spot has been exceptional, amassing over 1,175 runs at an average of 36.71 and taking 91 wickets at an average of 22.34 in 23 Tests. His recent post was a thank-you note to fans celebrating this historic feat, not a cryptic hint about stepping away from Test cricket.

Also READ: Not Shubman Gill! Ravichandran Ashwin picks a surprise choice for India’s next Test captain

Ravichandran Ashwin vouches for Jadeja as a captain for Indian Test side

With the retirements of Rohit and Kohli creating a leadership vacuum in the Indian Test team, Jadeja’s role in the squad is under renewed focus. At 36, he is now the most experienced player in the Indian Test side, having played 80 matches, scored 3,370 runs, and taken 323 wickets. Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly backed Jadeja as a strong candidate for India’s next Test captaincy, suggesting he could lead the team for the next two years as a stop-gap option while grooming younger players like Shubman Gill.

Ashwin praised Jadeja’s experience and leadership qualities, emphasizing that Jadeja’s presence could provide stability in a transitional phase for Indian Test cricket. This endorsement adds another dimension to Jadeja’s importance in the team beyond his all-round performances.

Jadeja is expected to play a crucial role in India’s upcoming five-match Test series in England starting June 20, 2025, where his experience and skill will be vital in challenging conditions.

Also READ: No Shubman Gill! Kris Srikkanth reveals his top 3 choices to lead India in Test cricket

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.