Ravindra Jadeja’s Rajkot Redemption: A Battle Against New Zealand

Although Ravindra Jadeja’s hometown, Jamnagar, is just about 70 km away from the Niranjan Shah Stadium on the Rajkot-Jamnagar Highway, this stadium and the city have served as his karmabhoomi (land of action) for the past 25 years.

This time, however, Jadeja’s return feels different. Rarely in his 16-year ODI career has he needed to prove a point. After retiring from T20Is and being recalled to the ODI team in place of Axar Patel, the 37-year-old Jadeja needs to make a strong impact on his home ground to secure his spot in the format.

Since rejoining the ODI squad in November, Jadeja has played four games, delivering key performances with the bat against South Africa but stumbling in Vadodara on Sunday. His bowling has been his Achilles’ heel, with just one wicket to his name, an average of 213, and an economy rate of 6.26.

As a bowler known for his precise control, Jadeja is aware that he hasn’t met expectations this home season. It’s no surprise, then, that the seasoned allrounder spent time both batting and bowling at practice on Tuesday.

India’s batting coach, Shitanshu Kotak, who has also been Jadeja’s senior – and teammate – during their time at Saurashtra, expressed confidence in Jadeja’s capabilities ahead of Wednesday’s second ODI against New Zealand.

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“It’s a wonderful feeling. Ravindra has already played here, so it’s fantastic for him to be in Rajkot,” Kotak remarked. “He enjoys a lot of support here, clearly. While I can’t comment on anyone’s future, Ravindra is fit, performing well, and as long as he enjoys the game, any player would strive to excel for India and the team.”

Published on Jan 13, 2026