‘Ravindra Jadeja is Not Injured’: Saurashtra Explains India All-Rounder’s Bowling Absence in Ranji Trophy Clash

Mumbai, Feb 01, 2025 — In a closely watched Ranji Trophy fixture, Saurashtra secured a resounding 144-run victory over Assam in their final league match of the 2024-25 season, confirming their spot at the top of the group. However, the absence of India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling during the match sparked questions regarding his fitness. A Saurashtra team official later clarified that the left-arm spinner was not injured but was instead rested as a precautionary measure ahead of upcoming international commitments.

Match Highlights and Team Strategy

Saurashtra’s commanding performance was evident as the team posted a mammoth first-innings total of 474 runs. In a bid to ensure the bonus point victory required for quarter-final qualification, the team strategically rotated its players. Ravindra Jadeja, who had been in fine form during previous fixtures—including a match against Delhi where he claimed 12 wickets, featuring an impressive seven-wicket haul—only contributed with the bat, scoring 19 off 28 balls after coming in at No. 9.

Despite his reputation as a key bowling asset, Jadeja did not take to the bowling crease on the final day. Instead, his replacement, Vishvarajsinh Jadeja, was deployed to handle the fielding duties, as Saurashtra managed to bundle out Assam for 164 and 166 runs in their two innings, using 76.4 overs across days two and three.

Clarifying the Rumours

The decision to rest Ravindra Jadeja sparked a flurry of discussions among fans and pundits alike, with several speculating about a potential injury. However, a team insider addressed the issue directly:

“He was not injured. We had just rested him on the field as a precautionary measure as he will be a part of India’s Champions Trophy squad.”

This precaution comes at a critical juncture for Jadeja, who is slated to play an integral role in India’s One Day International (ODI) series against England, set to begin on February 6 in Nagpur, as well as in the upcoming Champions Trophy in Dubai.

Jadeja’s Season and Milestones

Jadeja’s performance in the domestic circuit has been noteworthy this season. Aside from his stellar display against Delhi, he marked another milestone during the Assam fixture by becoming the fourth Saurashtra bowler to notch 200 wickets in the Ranji Trophy, while also surpassing 550 First-Class scalps in his illustrious career. Such achievements underscore his significant contribution to both Saurashtra and Indian cricket at large.

Upcoming Fixtures and Tournament Outlook

With Saurashtra’s top position in the group now assured, the team looks forward to the quarter-finals, scheduled to be played at home in Rajkot starting February 8. Their next opponent in the quarter-final clash will be either Gujarat or Himachal Pradesh, a match that is expected to test the depth and resilience of the two-time Ranji champions.

For India, the immediate focus shifts back to the international arena. Following the ongoing T20I series, the three-match ODI leg against England will commence soon, making fitness and strategic rest of key players like Jadeja all the more crucial.

Saurashtra’s decision to rest Ravindra Jadeja underscores the balancing act faced by top players who compete in both domestic and international arenas. With Jadeja’s form and fitness being vital to India’s plans for the upcoming Champions Trophy and ODI series against England, the precautionary rest is seen as a strategic move rather than a response to injury.

As the domestic season draws to a close and international fixtures loom large, the emphasis on player management and workload has never been more pronounced. Jadeja’s continued evolution as a linchpin for both Saurashtra and the national team remains a focal point for cricket enthusiasts, ensuring that the eyes of fans and experts alike will be keenly watching his next appearance on the international stage.