Ravindra Jadeja, with a brilliant innings of 72 runs in the Lord's Test, scored his 28th half-century in his Test career while batting at number 6 or below, equalling VVS Laxman. Now, only MS Dhoni (38) and Kapil Dev (35) are ahead of him in this list.
Ravindra Jadeja: In the ongoing second Test match between India and England, experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja once again created history with his bat. On the sacred grounds of Lord's, he played a magnificent innings of 72 runs and scored his 28th half-century for India in Test cricket while batting at number 6 or below. With this achievement, he has equaled VVS Laxman.
'Jaddu' Shines at Lord's
In the current Test series, whenever Ravindra Jadeja has come to the crease, he has played very important innings for the team in difficult situations. In the first innings of the Lord's Test, when India's start faltered, Jadeja batted with patience and scored 72 runs, stabilizing India's innings. This innings was special not only in terms of runs but also for adding a new chapter in the record books. With this half-century, Jadeja has scored 50+ scores 28 times while batting at number 6 or below in Test history.
Equal to VVS Laxman, Now Behind Only Two Great Players
With this innings, Jadeja has made his place in a special club. He has now equaled VVS Laxman in terms of scoring 50+ scores for India while batting at number 6 or below. Both have a record of 28-28 times.
Only two players are ahead of him in this list:
- MS Dhoni – 38 times
- Kapil Dev – 35 times
Looking at Jadeja's current form, it can be assumed that he may challenge the records of these two legends in the future.
Most 50+ Scores while Batting at Number 6 or Below
- MS Dhoni - 38
- Kapil Dev - 35
- VVS Laxman - 28
- Ravindra Jadeja - 28
- R Ashwin - 20
Second Time Scoring Half-Centuries in Three Consecutive Innings
Jadeja has also achieved the feat of scoring half-centuries in three consecutive Test innings for the second time in his career. Previously, he scored 91, 51, and an unbeaten 60 runs in three innings against South Africa and Bangladesh in 2019. This time, on the England tour, he scored:
- Birmingham Test – 89 and 69 runs
- Lord's Test – 72 runs
Thus, he is once again showing that he is not only a bowler but also a dependable batsman.
Jadeja: The Backbone of Team India
Ravindra Jadeja is now not just an all-rounder, but has become a permanent fixture in the middle order of the Test team. He stabilizes the innings in times of crisis and is also capable of scoring runs quickly. This consistency puts him in the ranks of great players like Dhoni and Kapil. The balance and patience are clearly visible in his batting style. He not only scores runs, but also takes wickets with his bowling, which makes him a complete player.
Steps Towards Breaking Captains' Records
Looking at the current form, it seems that MS Dhoni's 38 and Kapil Dev's 35 times records may soon be in danger. Jadeja has not only emerged as a regular batsman, but he has also proved that he can change the course of the match even while playing in the lower order.
