Nobody knew before the New Zealand series that Kedar Jadhav can bowl much. His first-class career statistics show that he got only 1 wicket in 52 matches. However, he is on fire in the ongoing series against the Kiwis. He has taken six wickets in three matches at a decent economy rate. He has shown in the past that he can bat. The big question is, can he be the solution of India’s middle-order problem?
There was a time when India boasted of a solid middle-order that included Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni. But things have changed now. Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina have been out of the team for a long time now. Dhoni has promoted himself up the order. Raina was brought back in the team for the New Zealand ODIs. He has not been able to play so far due to viral fever. Kedar Jadhav was given a chance at his place. He made the most of this opportunity.
In the Dharamsala match, Jadhav took two wickets. In the second ODI at Delhi, he scalped one. In the third ODI, he scalped three Kiwi wickets. Due to his small stature, his deliveries were getting a trajectory that the batsmen were finding difficult to play.
In Delhi, he showed a glimpse of his batting prowess also. When the chips were down, Jadhav scored 41 runs. Though, India lost the match, Jadhav was a revelation that he can bat under pressure. Jadhav has proved himself as a genuine batsman on the domestic circuit as well. He has scored 10 first-class centuries with an impressive batting average of 50. He also has an ODI century to his name that he hit against Zimbabwe.
For a decade, Raina played a role of a decent middle-order batsman. He also played a role of an effective part-time bowler. Now, Jadhav is playing that role. He is a surprise find as to his bowling. He has shown his talent as a batsman. So, he can really fit in the shoes of Suresh Raina. If he learns to finish the matches during run chases, he could be a boon to Team India. But, Jadhav will have to constantly perform for that to happen.
Courtesy: YouTube/Star Sports
