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New Delhi: Ravindra Jadeja has always been one of India's most reliable all-rounders but his elevation to number six in the batting order has sparked a new level of confidence in the game. The 36-year-old credited head coach Gautam Gambhir for the move, which he believes has helped him think and perform more like a specialist batter.
Jadeja's performance in the recently concluded two-Test series against the West Indies reflected that shift. He was named Player of the Series after contributing both with the bat and ball, helping India complete a 2-0 clean sweep. His 104-run knock in the first Test at Ahmedabad set the tone while his eight wickets across the two matches underlined all-round dominance.
Speaking after Men In Blue's seven-wicket win in the second Test in Delhi, Jadeja said the promotion in the batting order has changed how he approaches the game. “As Gauti bhai (Gambhir) said, I am at number six now. So I’m thinking more as a proper batsman, and that works for me. Earlier, when I batted at eight or nine, my mindset was different,” he said at the post-match presentation.
Jadeja’s move up the order wasn’t just about shuffling numbers in fact it was about unlocking a side of his batting that often went underutilised. Over the past few months, Gambhir has emphasised giving Jadeja more responsibility in the middle order, believing his composure and technique could add balance to the team’s batting unit.
The left-hander has embraced that challenge, showing greater patience and control at the crease. “I don’t think too much about records. I just focus on contributing with both bat and ball to help my team win. If I don’t perform in both areas, it doesn’t reflect my value as a player,” Jadeja said.
His approach mirrors India's broader template under Gambhir's leadership, filled with clear intent, tactical flexibility and a focus on team-first performances rather than individual milestones.
While Jadeja's consistency stood out, Kuldeep Yadav was India's standout bowler in the second Test. The left-arm wrist-spinner claimed eight wickets on a slow and dry pitch, earning the Player of the Match award.
“This was a totally different wicket. Bowling a lot of overs was the challenge here, and I enjoyed it,” Kuldeep said. “There wasn’t much drift; the wicket was too dry. But bowling long spells and getting breakthroughs is something I take pride in.”
Together, Jadeja and Kuldeep showcased the depth and adaptability of India's spin attack, finding ways to continue their dominance across conditions. Gambhir's tactical tweaks are bringing out the best in seasoned players like Jadeja and this new young India's Test side looks both settled and confident heading into the next series.
