“Mental Shift Is Very Important”: Cheteshwar Pujara Explains How Ravindra Jadeja Evolved From Defensive Bowler to Proactive Test Match-Winner

New Delhi, August 4: Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has lauded Ravindra Jadeja for transforming his approach to Test bowling. According to Pujara, saying the all-rounder has evolved from a defensive bowler focused on restricting runs into an aggressive wicket-taker.

“Jadeja has established himself as one of India’s most reliable match-winners in Test cricket, combining relentless accuracy with subtle variations and an increasingly attacking mindset. His contributions with the bat have also cemented his status as one of the leading all-rounders in red-ball cricket,” the former Indian batsman said in a JioStar program ahead of India’s Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on August 15. Pujara explained how Jadeja’s mindset has changed over the years.

“Earlier, when Ravindra Jadeja used to bowl, his mindset was not to give away too many runs, especially in red-ball cricket. If there was a little help in the wicket, then he would try to take wickets. But if the wicket was not conducive to bowlers, his focus was on restricting the runs,” Pujara said.

Jadeja has claimed 348 wickets in 89 Tests at an impressive average of 25.12. According to Pujara, the spinner has now developed a much clearer understanding of his strengths and is using them to attack batters consistently.

“He has understood his own strengths and is bowling accordingly. In every game, he is trying to land the ball in the line of the stumps and get the batter out,” Pujara explained.
The former India batter believes the biggest change has been psychological, with Jadeja now approaching every delivery with the intention of taking a wicket rather than simply containing the opposition.

“Earlier, his mindset was a little more defensive, but now he is delivering every ball intending to take a wicket,” Pujara added. He also highlighted how the change in mindset has encouraged Jadeja to think more proactively, make better use of the crease and alter his length and angles according to the batter.

“So, you think a little more about your game. You use the crease a little better, try to go wider, and adjust your length according to the batter. That mental shift is very important for the game,” he said.

Jadeja’s consistency across conditions has made him one of India’s most dependable Test bowlers. Following Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement, his attacking approach and experience have also assumed greater importance as India look to maintain their strength in the longest format.

With inputs from PTI