Ravindra Jadeja will be the X factor for India in the WTC final - Monty Panesar

Former England spin bowler Monty Panesar believes that Ravindra Jadeja could be the X factor for India in the WTC final against New Zealand. India will lock horns with New Zealand on 18th June in the ICC World Test Championship final. Panesar feels that Jadeja’s addition in the Indian side could prove to be the difference between the 2 teams in the WTC final. The English playing conditions will provide an advantage to the seamers in the WTC final. Hence, India might go in with 6 pure batsmen, a wicketkeeper, and 4 pure bowlers in the WTC final. Panesar stated that India should play Jadeja instead of  R Ashwin if they opt to play 4 bowlers against New Zealand.

The former England bowler stated that Jadeja's defensive bowling skills and his batting ability give him an edge over R Ashwin. Panesar also stated that Jadeja performed brilliantly in the IPL this year. Hence, Panesar feels that Jadeja deserves a chance to start for India’s Test team in the WTC final against New Zealand.

What makes Ravindra Jadeja so valuable to the Indian Test side?

Jadeja has seen a significant improvement in his batting since 2018. The 32 year old has increased his batting average to a terrific 36 in the Test format. Owing to this, Jadeja is the perfect batsman to bat at the no 7 spot for the Indian Test side. Furthermore, it will also provide the Indian Test side with an opportunity to bowl 5 bowlers, even in conditions away from home. Ravindra Jadeja is also one of India’s most economical bowlers in the longest format of the game. In his Test career, Jadeja has conceded runs at a miser economy of just 2.44 runs per over. The 32 year old also boasts a solid bowling average of 24.3 in the longest format of the game.

Jadeja played a crucial role in the Boxing Day Test against Australia this year. The 32-year-old could definitely prove to be a game-changer for India against New Zealand in the WTC final.

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