Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has lauded the veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, calling him the Kohinoor diamond. Notably, Kaif’s comments came right after the all-rounder scalped a three-wicket haul in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Speaking on Sony Sports, Kaif reserved special praise for the all-rounder, stating that the Indian Test team is incomplete without Jadeja. He went on to add that while Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravi Ashwin have bid adieu to the game, Jadeja is still going strong.
“Kohinoor diamond. If you remove him, your team won’t get created. The balance won’t come. He does two jobs – batting and bowling. He made his debut in 2012. It is a journey of 14-15 years. We talk about him scoring runs and taking wickets whenever required,” Mohammad Kaif said on Sony Sports.
“Kapil Dev is there. Daniel Vettori’s name is there. We are not even talking about the fielding. We aren’t able to make a team as soon as an all-rounder goes out. We have not been able to find Hardik Pandya’s replacement to date. It doesn’t seem like he is slowing down. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ashwin have gone, but he is playing,” he added.
On the other hand, another former Indian batter, Ajay Jadeja, has also showered praise on the veteran all-rounder for achieving the 350 Test wickets milestone, adding that he should be celebrated like other legendary players.
“I am not a big fan of numbers. However, some numbers can be created in a day. Many players do incredible things one day. These numbers are created by performing for years, every season. 350 Test wickets is not a small thing,” Ajay Jadeja said on Sony Sports.
“In India’s 600-Test history, no left-arm spinner has taken 350 wickets. See the list in which his name is there. See the names before him. This is a milestone in a huge journey. We could have celebrated him yesterday as well when he had two fewer wickets, and we might keep celebrating him tomorrow as well when wickets keep getting added to this,” Ajay Jadeja concluded.
