Ravindra Jadeja might have skirted the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) latest travel protocols, but his intentions were crystal clear—and commendable. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Jadeja traveled alone to Edgbaston ahead of Day 2 of the second Test against England, breaking team travel rules laid out by the BCCI.
However, the reason for his solitary journey was to get in some much-needed batting practice ahead of resuming his innings on an overnight score of 41. Post the 2024-25 Australia tour, the BCCI introduced a set of off-field regulations to maintain player discipline and cohesion, including mandatory team travel via the official bus and restrictions on family stay during overseas tours.
These policies were reportedly designed at the request of head coach Gautam Gambhir. Despite technically breaching the rule, Jadeja is unlikely to face any disciplinary action, given his proactive move was geared toward match preparation.
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That decision paid off handsomely. Jadeja went on to score a well-crafted 89 off 137 deliveries, stitching together a crucial 203-run stand with captain Shubman Gill, whose monumental 269 propelled India to a commanding first-innings total of 587. England ended the day struggling at 77/3, still trailing by 510 runs.
The team is expected to come to the ground on the bus, but Jadeja came in early to get some batting practice pic.twitter.com/t8dUuBweil
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 3, 2025
Speaking after play, Ravindra Jadeja explained his early arrival. “Somewhere I felt I should go and bat extra because the ball was still new. Luckily I could bat till lunch, and then Washy [Washington Sundar] also batted well with Shubman. In England, the more you bat, the better. You’re never truly set here,” he said.
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Reflecting on the impact of his innings, Jadeja added, “From 210 for 5, putting together a big partnership with the captain was a challenge. These moments give you confidence as a batter—that you can step up when the team needs you the most, especially outside India.”
