(Credit Reuters)
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra offered his perspective on Ravindra Jadeja’s retirement from T20Is following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024. Chopra remarked that Jadeja, despite his suitability for the T20 format, fell short of expectations in this cricketing format.
Ravindra Jadeja announced his retirement from T20Is after India’s triumphant campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024, where the team remained unbeaten throughout. Despite the team’s success, Jadeja’s individual performance in the tournament was modest, contributing with 35 runs and one wicket across eight matches.
Aakash Chopra – Used Only 12 players In This Entire Campaign
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra criticized Ravindra Jadeja for not meeting expectations during the T20 World Cup 2024. Chopra highlighted that Jadeja’s performances in the tournament were disappointing, considering his potential for excelling in T20 cricket.
“Ravindra Jadeja – an interesting one actually because considering the sort of player he is, it seemed like he was cut out for T20 cricket. However, his numbers are not that good in T20 cricket, especially in international cricket, and this World Cup was also not like that,” Chopra said.
Chopra pointed out that Rohit Sharma and the team management consistently supported Ravindra Jadeja during the T20 World Cup. Despite Jadeja’s subdued bowling performance, Chopra acknowledged his pivotal contribution with the bat in the semi-final.
“However, this is the way it is. At times, you are a part of a team that has the belief that Jaddu is there. So they kept faith in Jaddu and played him all the matches. In fact, this team used only 12 players in this entire campaign. He played a very important short knock in the semi-final. He didn’t do that well in bowling, there is no doubt about it,” Chopra added.
Jadeja entered the T20I arena for India in 2009, swiftly establishing himself as a vital all-rounder. Over his career, he featured in 74 T20I matches, showcasing his skills. As a left-handed batsman, Jadeja amassed 515 runs at an average of 21.45, boasting a highest score of 46 not out. His bowling prowess was equally impressive, claiming 54 wickets at an average of less than 30, with a best of 3/15.
Aakash Chopra – A Big Match Player
The former cricketer-turned-commentator remarked that Ravindra Jadeja’s decision to retire from international T20 cricket came at an opportune moment, aligning with the timing of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Chopra highlighted Jadeja’s ability to perform under pressure, citing his match-winning innings in the IPL 2023 final for Chennai Super Kings as evidence of his clutch performance in crucial matches.
“Since he has bid goodbye to T20I cricket, I am not going to talk about the IPL final because he has also done the cometh the hour, cometh the man job as a big-match player. Like Rohit and Kohli, I think Ravindra Jadeja’s decision has also come at the right time,” Chopra stated.
Ravindra Jadeja clinched his maiden World Cup title in the 2024 T20 World Cup, having not been part of India’s previous victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. As a left-arm spinner, he is anticipated to play a significant role for the Indian team in the longer formats of cricket.
