During the India versus New Zealand Champions Trophy final in Dubai on Sunday, Ravindra Jadeja delivered a highly economical bowling performance, conceding just 30 runs in his 10 overs and taking the crucial wicket of Tom Latham. Jadeja, who now focuses on ODIs and Tests after retiring from T20Is post India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory, was approached and hugged by Virat Kohli after his bowling spell.
While this hug appeared to be a simple gesture of camaraderie from Kohli, it stirred speculation on social media about whether Ravindra Jadeja might be considering retirement after this match.
Ravindra Jadeja’s extensive ODI career spans over 200 matches. He, along with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who is also facing retirement rumors, are among the most seasoned players in the current Indian cricket squad.
In the game itself, India’s spin bowlers, spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav (2/40), effectively utilized the conditions. However, New Zealand managed to post a competitive total of 251 for seven, thanks to well-composed half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell.
Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101 balls) and Bracewell (53 off 40 balls) were instrumental in stabilizing the New Zealand innings after a shaky middle phase, following their decision to bat first.
Despite a rapid start that saw them reach 69 for 1 in the first 10 overs, New Zealand’s final score didn’t fully reflect their initial momentum. Will Young was dismissed early by Varun Chakravarthy (2/45), who was brought into the attack in the sixth over. The introduction of Kuldeep in the 11th over proved to be a turning point.
Kuldeep struck with his very first delivery, dismissing Rachin Ravindra with a deceptive googly that rattled his stumps. This wicket also broke a promising 57-run opening partnership. Earlier in the innings, Ravindra had been dropped by Mohammed Shami off his own bowling after hitting Hardik Pandya for a six and two fours.
In the subsequent over, Kane Williamson’s tentative push against Kuldeep resulted in a return catch, further reducing New Zealand to 75 for three in 12.2 overs.
From that point, the Indian spin quartet took command, and New Zealand struggled to find boundaries for the next 81 deliveries.
This slow period was interrupted when Glenn Phillips hit Kuldeep for a six over long-off.
Kuldeep and Varun, occasionally reaching speeds over 100 kmph, extracted noticeable turn from the pitch.
Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja adopted a strategy of using pace to restrict the New Zealand batsmen’s scoring opportunities.
Both approaches proved equally effective, with the Indian spinners conceding only 144 runs in their combined 38 overs.
Chakravarthy continued to vary his bowling and dismissed Phillips, ending a promising 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Phillips was deceived by a 93 kmph googly and was bowled attempting to cut the ball.
Despite this setback, New Zealand still aimed for a total around 260, as Mitchell reached his half-century in 91 balls, effectively accumulating runs through singles and twos.
