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India’s star all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, showcased his exceptional skill set once again on Friday during the third and final Test against New Zealand at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The 35-year-old, known for his all-round abilities, dismissed three key New Zealand players—Will Young, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips—proving his mettle on Day 1 and further cementing his legacy in India’s Test cricket history.
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Jadeja Surpasses Zaheer and Ishant in Test Wickets
In his 77th Test match, Jadeja reached a new career milestone by surpassing the wicket tallies of two legendary Indian fast bowlers, Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, who previously held significant records in red-ball cricket. Zaheer, with 311 wickets in 92 matches, and Ishant, with 311 wickets in 105 matches, were both instrumental figures in Indian Test history. Jadeja, however, managed to cross this mark with only 77 Tests, underscoring his consistent impact on the field.
India’s Leading Wicket-Takers in Tests
With this accomplishment, Jadeja now ranks fifth in India’s all-time wicket-takers list, joining elite company. He has 312 wickets to his name, trailing only the likes of Anil Kumble (619), Ravichandran Ashwin (533), Kapil Dev (434), and Harbhajan Singh (417).
| Bowler | No. of Tests | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | 132 | 619 |
| R Ashwin | 106 | 533 |
| Kapil Dev | 131 | 434 |
| Harbhajan Singh | 103 | 417 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 77 | 312 |
Jadeja’s current bowling average of 24.07 ranks as the second-best among India’s top 10 wicket-takers, narrowly behind Ashwin’s 23.96.
New Zealand Struggles on Day 1 at Wankhede
At the time of writing, New Zealand, who had a solid start at 159/3, have faltered to 194/6. Daryl Mitchell, who is currently batting at 55*, remains New Zealand’s best hope to steer them toward a competitive total, as the team eyes an ambitious whitewash against India on home turf. Jadeja’s performance, however, has put India in a commanding position, reminding fans and critics alike of his enduring value in Test cricket.
