‘Media fails to appreciate when…’ – Former India star praises Ravindra Jadeja and calls him ‘Jackpot Jango’ for his amazing performances

Former Indian star Ravichandran Ashwin has praised his former teammate Ravindra Jadeja. The 36-year-old made his international debut on this day 16 years ago when he played the final ODI of the 2009 series against Sri Lanka. After few early setbacks to his career, Jadeja has become a key member of Indian cricket team. 

Ravindra Jadeja picked 3/26 from nine overs and also scored 12 not out during the first ODI against England on February 6. The 36-year-old dismissed Joe Root for 19 and followed it up with the scalps of Jacob Bethell for 51 and Adil Rashid for eight runs. Jadeja also went past 600 wickets in international cricket during the first match in Nagpur. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said “Our media fails to appreciate when a player does well. Whenever we lose, everyone becomes a villain. He dismissed Joe Root (in the 1st IND vs ENG ODI). Jadeja always goes under the radar. He is a ‘Jackpot Jango.’ He is +10 in the field, also bowls well and bats in pressure situations as well. We don’t give Jadeja enough credit,”

Ashwin praises former teammate for his efforts 

Former India spinner Ashwin also said “Jadeja is way more gifted than I ever can be. He is a born athlete. His major advantages lie in his physical fitness. He is naturally fit. Even at this age, he can cover the entire area from long on to deep square leg while standing at mid-wicket. I wouldn’t be surprised. And I will be more than happy for him”

So far Ravindra Jadeja has played 198 ODI matches and has picked 223 wickets. The left-arm spinner has picked two fifers with an economy rate of 4.87 runs per over. Currently Jadeja is seventh in the list of leading wicket-takers for India in ODI cricket. With the bat the veteran star has scored over 2700 runs with 13 half-centuries with an average of 32. 

During the course of his YouTube show ‘Ash ki Baat’ the former India star also asked Rohit Sharma to start performing to silence the critics. Ashwin said “This is not easy, if you look at it from Rohit’s point of view, then obviously it is frustrating for him. He wants to concentrate on the series. He thinks ‘ I’ve done well in this format and I’d like to continue’. But people will ask continue to ask questions. The one’s who are watching will continue to ask. It’s a catch-22 situation. You can’t stop these questions. When will they stop? When he performs”