Ravindra Jadeja’s Spin Masterclass Powers Saurashtra to Victory in Two Days
Ravindra Jadeja showcased a stunning display of left-arm spin, leading Saurashtra to a 10-wicket win over Delhi in a Ranji Trophy Group D match at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Friday. Jadeja’s incredible match figures of 12 wickets, including a second-innings haul of 7 for 38, ensured the game ended within two days. This dominant performance earned Saurashtra a bonus point, propelling them to third place in the group standings with 18 points, while Delhi slipped to fifth.
The match turned decisively in Saurashtra’s favour when Delhi’s star batter, Rishabh Pant, was dismissed cheaply for the second time in the game. Pant, who scored just one run in the first innings, managed 17 in the second before edging Jadeja to slip. His dismissal left Delhi struggling at 75 for five, and the team collapsed spectacularly after lunch, losing all 10 wickets in just 35 deliveries to be bowled out for 94.
Chasing a meagre target of 12 runs, Saurashtra achieved the victory in just 3.1 overs. The game highlighted the blunt difference in the quality of spin bowling between the two sides. While Saurashtra relied on the expertise of Ravindra Jadeja and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja — the latter boasting 380 wickets in 91 First Class matches — Delhi’s spinners struggled to match their pedigree.
Delhi’s Harsh Tyagi, who took four wickets in the first innings, sought advice from Jadeja after the match. Tyagi shared that Jadeja provided valuable insights into improving his bowling action and operating at a faster pace. “He compared my action now with how it was in 2018 when I played against him. He pointed out that my body weight goes backward during delivery, which reduces my pace. If I can correct this, I hope it will benefit me in the future,” Tyagi said.
This match was also a reminder of the learning opportunities for younger players competing against seasoned internationals like Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant. For Delhi, the game serves as a wake-up call to improve their batting and bowling depth.
