Champions Trophy: Gautam Gambhir Calls Ravindra Jadeja 'One Of The Top All-Rounders' Ahead of Final Clash Against Kiwis

March 8, 2025: Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy final 2025 between India and New Zealand in Dubai, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir showered praise on star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, calling him one of the best all-rounders in the world. The final, scheduled for March 9, promises to be an exciting contest, as both teams have performed admirably throughout the tournament.

Gambhir, in a video posted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Instagram, highlighted Jadeja’s immense value to Indian cricket, not just with the bat and ball, but also in the field. He said, "I've always felt that he's always gone under the radar. I think he's someone we don't speak highly about. See what he's done to Indian cricket, be it Test format, T20 format, or 50-over format. He's very important to Indian cricket, in what he's done, not just with a bat or ball, but in the field as well. He's, I think, one of the top all-rounders going around in world cricket. We in the dressing room know the value of Ravindra Jadeja. It's not what happens outside the dressing room."

Jadeja has been an essential player for India in this year’s Champions Trophy, contributing in both bowling and fielding. In four matches, Jadeja has taken four wickets at an average of 38.25, with his best figures being 2/40 against Australia in the semi-final. Though his batting in the tournament has been limited, scoring just 16 runs in two innings, his all-around performances have been crucial for India.

With 203 ODI matches under his belt, Jadeja’s career has been nothing short of stellar. In those matches, he has scored 2,797 runs with an average of 32.52, including 13 fifties. His highest score in ODIs is 87, and with the ball, he has picked up 230 wickets at an average of 35.43, maintaining an economy rate of 4.86. Notably, Jadeja has also claimed two five-wicket hauls in his career, with his best bowling performance of 5/33 coming against South Africa.

As India gears up to take on New Zealand in the final, Gambhir’s words are a testament to Jadeja's crucial role in India’s success, both on and off the field.