Star Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is all set to represent Saurashtra in their upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Delhi, scheduled to begin on Thursday. Jadeja expressed his enthusiasm by sharing a picture of his Saurashtra team jersey on Instagram with the caption, “#RanjiTrophy All Set!”
Jadeja’s participation in the Ranji Trophy comes nearly a year after his last appearance in January 2023, when he played against Tamil Nadu. In that match, Jadeja made a significant impact, taking eight wickets, including a remarkable 7/48 in the second innings, and contributing 40 runs with the bat. Despite his individual brilliance, Saurashtra lost the match by 59 runs. His performance served as a testament to his fitness ahead of India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia later that year.
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Jadeja’s inclusion in the Ranji Trophy aligns with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) updated policy, which emphasizes the importance of domestic cricket for national players. The policy, announced recently, makes it mandatory for Indian international stars to participate in domestic matches to remain eligible for national team selection and central contracts.
The BCCI outlined the purpose of this mandate, stating, “Participation in Domestic Matches is mandatory for players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts. This policy ensures that players remain connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure.”
The policy further highlights the inspiration top cricketers bring to young talents by playing alongside them, ensuring continuity in talent progression. Exceptions to this rule will only be made under extraordinary circumstances, requiring formal approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee.
Jadeja concluded 2024 with noteworthy performances in Test cricket. In 20 innings across 12 Tests, he scored 562 runs at an average of 26.76, including a century and three fifties, with his highest score being 112. As a bowler, he took 48 wickets at an average of 24.29, with best figures of 5/41. His tally included three five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match haul, underscoring his all-around prowess.
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