Ravindra Jadeja’s highest score of 175* against Sri Lanka wasn’t just a milestone — it was a masterpiece that redefined him as more than an all-rounder. Discover how this unforgettable knock silenced critics and showcased his true batting brilliance.
Introduction: When Jadeja Silenced His Doubters
There are moments in cricket when a player transcends his defined role — when a “bowling all-rounder” becomes a match-winning batter. For Ravindra Jadeja, that moment came during his highest Test score of 175 against Sri Lanka at Mohali in March 2022*. It was more than a career milestone; it was a bold declaration that Jadeja was no longer a utility player — he was a complete cricketer.
This innings didn’t just fill the scorebook; it told a story of patience, power, and perfection. In this article, we’ll relive the iconic knock, explore its impact on Indian cricket, and understand how it redefined Jadeja’s place among the modern greats.
The Build-Up: Pressure, Expectations, and Opportunity
Before that unforgettable Test, Jadeja’s batting had always been under scrutiny. Critics labeled him a “handy lower-order batsman,” useful for cameos but not consistency. The 2021-22 season was crucial — India was rebuilding after the departure of key players, and there was a pressing need for depth in the batting order.
Jadeja, recovering from injury, returned to the squad with something to prove. The Mohali pitch was flat but deceptive, and India needed someone to anchor and accelerate. When he walked in at 228 for 5, the innings could have gone either way
The Innings: Jadeja’s 175* Masterclass
Calm Before the Storm
Jadeja began cautiously, respecting the conditions and the bowlers. Facing Lasith Embuldeniya and Suranga Lakmal, he focused on timing rather than brute force. His first fifty came off 100 balls — a statement of control, not aggression.
Acceleration Mode
Once he settled, the gears shifted. Boundaries began to flow — elegant drives, late cuts, and trademark flicks over midwicket. His partnership with Ravichandran Ashwin for 130 runs laid the platform for India’s dominance. When Ashwin departed, Jadeja took complete control, farming the strike and manipulating the field effortlessly.
By the time he reached his century, the crowd at Mohali was chanting his name. What followed next was vintage “Sir Jadeja” — the entertainer who makes even grinding Test runs look glamorous. He unleashed a flurry of shots, particularly targeting the spinners.
The Finishing Flourish
When Jadeja reached 175 not out, captain Rohit Sharma declared the innings at 574/8. It was the highest score of his Test career, and the second-highest by an Indian batting at No. 7 — behind only Kapil Dev.
Statistical Brilliance: Why This Knock Stands Out
- Score: 175* (228 balls, 17 fours, 3 sixes)
- Partnerships: 130 runs with Ashwin, 103 with Shami
- Strike Rate: 76.75 — remarkable for a middle-order Test batsman
- Match Result: India won by an innings and 222 runs
- Records:
- Jadeja became the first Indian to score 150+ and take 5 wickets in the same Test.
- His 175* remains the highest Test score by an Indian at No. 7 or lower.
These numbers were not just statistics — they were a statement. Jadeja had arrived as a batter of substance.
Beyond the Numbers: The Evolution of a Complete Cricketer
From “Sword Celebration” to Silent Consistency
In the early years, Jadeja was known for his flamboyant sword celebration — more a symbol of aggression than consistency. But by 2022, his game had matured. He wasn’t chasing highlights anymore; he was building legacies.
That 175* showed discipline — leaving balls outside off, constructing innings, and waiting for loose deliveries. It was the perfect blend of patience and power.
Defying Labels
Cricket loves labels — batsman, bowler, finisher, fielder. Jadeja shattered them all. With this innings, he joined an elite group of genuine all-rounders like Ben Stokes, Shakib Al Hasan, and Jacques Kallis. He wasn’t just contributing — he was dominating.
Impact on Team India: A Blueprint for Balance
Stability in the Lower Order
For years, India struggled to find reliable runs beyond No. 6. Jadeja’s rise as a dependable batter transformed the team’s structure. Suddenly, India could play five bowlers without compromising batting depth.
Leadership Value
His knock came just as India transitioned into the Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid era, making it a symbolic start to a new chapter. His calm demeanor under pressure made him a mentor figure for younger players.
The Confidence Factor
The innings also cemented his confidence across formats. Post-Mohali, Jadeja’s IPL and ODI performances showed a renewed self-belief — finishing games, anchoring chases, and taking crucial wickets.
Fan Reactions: From “Sir Jadeja” to “Legend Jadeja”
Fans had always adored Jadeja’s fielding heroics and sword celebration. But after this innings, respect replaced mere admiration. Social media flooded with praise — “Not just an all-rounder, a complete match-winner.”
Former cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar and VVS Laxman hailed it as one of the finest knocks by a lower-order Indian batter. His teammates, including Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant, called it “a masterclass in controlled aggression.”
The Knock’s Legacy: What It Meant for Jadeja’s Career
That innings wasn’t an isolated peak — it redefined his batting approach. Jadeja began taking greater responsibility, often batting higher in the order when needed. It also reinforced his value in overseas Tests, where his ability to adapt became crucial.
It reminded selectors, fans, and critics that Jadeja wasn’t a “luxury player.” He was a necessity — someone who could turn games single-handedly.
Comparing Jadeja’s 175* to Other Great All-Rounder Innings
| Player | Score | Opposition | Year | Match Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kapil Dev | 163* | Sri Lanka | 1986 | Won |
| Ben Stokes | 135* | Australia | 2019 | Won |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 217 | New Zealand | 2017 | Draw |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 175* | Sri Lanka | 2022 | Won |
In terms of dominance, control, and all-round contribution, Jadeja’s knock ranks among the greatest ever played by an all-rounder.
The Psychology Behind the Performance
Jadeja’s innings was also a psychological victory. Coming back from injury and public doubt, he turned pressure into performance. His calm expression at the crease reflected focus — the kind that only comes from years of resilience.
He wasn’t trying to prove critics wrong; he was proving himself right. That’s the hallmark of greatness.
Read more: Shivam Dube Highest Score
What Makes Jadeja a Modern Cricket Icon
- Versatility Across Formats: Whether it’s a Test at Lord’s or an IPL final, Jadeja adapts seamlessly.
- Fitness and Fielding: His agility sets global standards.
- Mental Toughness: He thrives under pressure.
- Team-First Attitude: Always ready to play any role, from finisher to frontline spinner.
The Mohali Moment: A Turning Point in Indian Cricket
The Mohali Test marked a transition — from the Kohli era of aggression to Rohit’s era of calm confidence. Jadeja’s 175* embodied that balance: fierce but composed, flamboyant yet strategic.
It was poetic that Jadeja, a player who evolved quietly over the years, produced the loudest statement through his bat.
Beyond Retirement: The Legacy Continues
Though Jadeja still has cricket left in him, his 175* will remain one of those timeless innings fans will replay for decades. It’s not just about the score — it’s about what it symbolized: grit, class, and transformation.
When the day comes for his farewell, that Mohali knock will stand as a shining emblem of his journey — from promise to perfection.
sources
- ESPNcricinfo – Player Profile & Full Stats
🔗 https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/ravindra-jadeja-234675
(Complete breakdown of Jadeja’s international career, including his highest Test score and match-by-match stats.) - ESPNcricinfo – Match Scorecard: India vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Mohali, March 4–6, 2022
🔗 https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-in-india-2021-22-1270190/india-vs-sri-lanka-1st-test-1270197/full-scorecard
(Official scorecard featuring Jadeja’s 175 and his 9 wickets — a complete statistical reference.)* - Cricbuzz – Match Report: India vs Sri Lanka, Mohali Test 2022
🔗 https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scores/38663/ind-vs-sl-1st-test
(Ball-by-ball commentary and analysis of Jadeja’s batting and bowling impact.) - Hindustan Times – “Ravindra Jadeja’s 175 and 9 wickets make history in Mohali”*
🔗 https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket
(Covers the context, reactions, and records from Jadeja’s all-round performance.)
FAQs
1. What is Ravindra Jadeja’s highest score in Test cricket?
Ravindra Jadeja’s highest Test score is 175 not out against Sri Lanka in March 2022 at Mohali.
2. Is 175 Jadeja’s highest score across all formats?*
Yes, it’s his highest score in any international format — Tests, ODIs, or T20Is.
3. Did Jadeja take wickets in that same match?
Yes! He took 9 wickets (5/41 and 4/46), making it one of the greatest all-round performances in Test history.
4. Why is the innings considered career-defining?
Because it silenced critics who questioned his batting and established him as one of India’s best modern all-rounders.
5. How does this innings rank among Indian all-rounders?
It’s among the top three — alongside Kapil Dev’s 163* and Ashwin’s 124 in the West Indies.
6. What was Jadeja’s approach during that innings?
He focused on patience early, built partnerships, and then accelerated — a complete display of Test match batting maturity.
Final Thoughts: More Than an All-Rounder
Ravindra Jadeja’s 175* wasn’t just about runs; it was about redemption. It proved that beneath the armor of a fielder, bowler, and entertainer lies a batter of world-class caliber.
That knock transformed perception into belief and silenced every doubt that ever shadowed his name.
Jadeja didn’t just play an innings that day — he wrote his own legacy.
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