Former India batsman VVS Laxman on Friday (August 6) heaped praise on Ravindra Jadeja for his heroics with the bat on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
The all-rounder played a crucial knock of 56 off 86 deliveries with eight boundaries and a six, as well as, stitched two vital partnerships with KL Rahul (84) and Mohammad Shami to help the Indian cricket team post 278 runs in their first innings against England on Friday.
Hailing Jadeja for his exemplary performance with the bat on Day 3 at Trent Bridge, Laxman has termed the all-rounder a complete package, saying he brings a lot to the table with his aggressive and positive batting and it will ensure Virat Kohli shows a lot of confidence in the left-hander's batting abilities.
The legendary batsman also pointed out that the way Jadeja has played responsible knocks over the course of the last two years only adds to his credibility and earns more trust of Kohli.
Laxman told ESPNCricinfo, “There were a lot of questions asked whether he should be the preferred No.7 or should India go with an additional batsman in the WTC Final. And I felt what an extra batsman can give as far as batting is concerned, Ravindra Jadeja can play a similar kind of role.”
He added, “In fact, he can be more attacking and positive than a genuine batsman, and every match he just adds the credibility and I'm sure Virat Kohli will trust a lot more in his batting going forward.”
Meanwhile, the former cricketer admitted that the all-rounder Hardik Pandya is a big miss for India given his pace bowling but said Jadeja's attributes are enough to be in the playing XI at No.7 considering his ability to score valuable runs when the team needed the most.
Laxman signed off by saying, “I think he's a complete package, and any day I would always show a lot of trust and belief in his attributes. Yes, you miss someone like a Hardik Pandya who gives you the medium pace option but I feel at No.7 he's a complete package. He'll give you runs not only when the situation is easy and favorable for the team but in tough situations.”
