Widely regarded as one of the best fielders in world cricket, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja gave another glimpse of his remarkable fielding skills in an IPL 2023 clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) last Saturday (April 8).
During the 9th over of MI’s innings, Jadeja’s superb caught and bowled effort resulted in the dismissal of Cameron Green. It was a shot smashed back at Jadeja, who showed quick reflexes and gobbled the ball with both hands to end Green’s innings on 12.
After CSK’s comprehensive seven-wicket victory over MI, Jadeja revealed what makes him a better fielder.
"Whenever I field, I try to anticipate where the ball would go depending on the bowler's line and length. I feel I have one or two seconds more than other fielders," Jadeja said while speaking to Ajinkya Rahane in a video uploaded by IPL.
Apart from Green’s wicket, Ravindra Jadeja claimed the prized scalp of Ishan Kishan. Later, the left-arm spinner also got rid of Tilak Varma to finish with the bowling figures of 3 for 20 in his four-over spell.
"When we were bowling, the odd ball was turning. So me and Mitch wanted to bowl in good areas because they have so many powerhitters. Everytime we come here, the wicket plays different - sometimes it is flat, sometimes it is sticky. (On partnership with Santner) We surely discuss, whoever starts advises the other person on what lengths to bowl. We keep talking and advising each other," he added.
Coming to the match, MI posted 157/7 on the board with notable contributions from Ishan Kishan (32), Tim David (31) and Tilak Varma (22).
In reply, Rahane made a mockery of MI's bowling attack, notching up his half-century in just 19 balls – the fastest of this year’s IPL so far. The right-hander was involved in a partnership of 82 runs for the second wicket with Ruturaj Gaikwad.
While Piyush Chawla dismissed Rahane for 61 off 27 balls in the eighth over, the latter by then put his team on the verge of victory, which was eventually sealed by Gaikwad (40*) and Ambati Rayudu (20*) in 18.1 overs.
