Ravindra Jadeja’s evolution as a cricketer has been remarkable, showcasing prowess across batting, bowling, and fielding that make him indispensable across formats. In the ongoing Test series against England, his impactful performances have been pivotal in India’s commanding 3-1 lead, a stark turnaround after a loss in the opening match.

One aspect that has intrigued many, including former Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin, is Jadeja’s bowling technique and its effectiveness. Haddin shared his bewilderment on the Willow Talk podcast, recalling attempts to decipher Jadeja’s seemingly innocuous deliveries that often left batters perplexed.

Despite probing for insights, Jadeja’s simple response about bowling at the stumps left Haddin and others puzzled, emphasizing his minimalist approach and reliance on the pitch’s behaviour.

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Haddin humorously recounted his efforts to extract more information from Jadeja, only to find himself more confused. He highlighted Jadeja’s unpredictability, where even a straightforward delivery could surprise with its variation, leaving batsmen guessing. Such unpredictability, combined with Jadeja’s athleticism, as praised by former Australia all-rounder Dan Christian, makes him a challenging opponent.

“Jadeja was always a really interesting one to talk to after a Test series. Because all the spinners would go over and say, ‘What are you undercutting the ball? Are you going over the top?’,” said Brad Haddin on the Willow Talk podcast.

Jadeja’s response, according to Haddin, was straightforward yet enigmatic. “He (Jadeja) goes, ‘I just bowl at the stumps.’ And you go, ‘Nah nah nah, what else you do?’. He goes, ‘I bowl at the stumps, the wicket will do it. You guys think it’s going to do something’. ‘What about the straight one?’ He goes, ‘Sometimes it goes straight,'” Haddin added.

Despite Haddin’s attempts to delve deeper into Jadeja’s bowling strategy, the all-rounder’s simplicity in approach left him even more uncertain.

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“And you’re out there batting, you think, ‘Is this the one that goes straight?’. You talk to him afterwards, you go, ‘What did you do with that one?’. He goes, ‘I just put on the stumps, and that was the one that skid’,” shared Brad Haddin.

Jadeja’s enigmatic bowling style, coupled with his tactical acumen on the field, underscores his multifaceted contributions to the Indian team. His ability to keep opponents guessing and adapt to varying conditions exemplifies his value as a match-winner across formats, earning him respect and admiration from peers and opponents alike.