India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja achieved major milestones one after the other during the third and final Test against New Zealand at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Jadeja took a ten-wicket haul on Day 3, dismantling the visitors for 174 in their second innings. With this, Jadeja surpassed former fast-bowler Zaheer Khan to become India’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. Taking 314 Test wickets, Jadeja now sits behind Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Harbhajan Singh in India’s all-time list of wicket-takers.
This performance also pushed Jadeja’s wicket tally for the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle to 50, making him only the second Indian, after Ashwin, to achieve this feat in a single WTC cycle. Jadeja had taken 47 wickets in the previous WTC cycle (2021–2023) and has improved on that tally this time around. Currently, he is the third-highest wicket-taker in the WTC, with Ashwin leading the way at 62 wickets, followed by Australia’s Josh Hazlewood with 51 wickets.
Ravindra Jadeja moves to fourth place in List of most 10-wicket hauls for India in Test cricket
Jadeja picked up five wickets for 55 runs in New Zealand’s second innings, adding to his earlier five wickets for 65 runs in the first innings. Apart from surpassing Zaheer Khan in list of most Test wickets for India, Jadeja marked another milestone.
The achievement marked Jadeja’s third career 10-wicket haul in Test cricket, putting him among India’s top bowlers in terms of 10-wicket hauls. He now surpasses legendary Indian bowlers like Erapalli Prasanna, Kapil Dev, and Irfan Pathan. The record for the most 10-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler is held jointly by Anil Kumble and R. Ashwin, who each have eight. Following them, Harbhajan Singh has five, while Jadeja’s three 10-wicket hauls place him next in line.
Most 10-wicket hauls for India in Tests:
- Anil Kumble – 8
- R. Ashwin – 8*
- Harbhajan Singh – 5
- Ravindra Jadeja – 3*
- Kapil Dev – 2
- Irfan Pathan – 2
Jadeja’s performance has been a beacon of hope for India, who are aiming to produce a win in this final Test after losing the first two games and facing their first series defeat at home in over a decade. On top of that, his wicket-taking ability adds depth to India’s bowling attack, which will be especially valuable in future matches, including the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. This form could play a crucial role as India aims to defend the title on Australian soil.
With New Zealand managing a lead of just 143 runs by the end of the second day, India is hopeful of chasing down the target. However, as the pitch continues to wear, India’s batting lineup may have to contend with tricky spin bowling, especially after recent struggles against spin.
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