New Delhi: India's all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja put on a remarkable display of skill and resilience on Day 1 of the Mumbai Test, helping India dismiss New Zealand for 235 runs. Jadeja’s performance included his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, an achievement that garnered high praise from former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar.
Once labeling Jadeja as ‘bits-and-pieces’ player—Manjrekar took to Twitter to express his admiration. “Over the moon for my favourite cricketer, Jadeja. A fifer! He needed that! And so did the team."
The Mumbai heat and the dry, turning surface worked to India’s advantage. Washington Sundar provided crucial breakthroughs early, dismissing New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra before Lunch. Jadeja struck just before Tea, removing Will Young and Tom Blundell in quick succession on a surface that began to offer puffs of dust and sharp turn. New Zealand’s batters struggled, save for Daryl Mitchell, who fought through both the Indian attack and the oppressive 37-degree temperatures to add some resistance to the scoreboard.
