After scoring a gritty 89 and forging a 203-run stand with Shubman Gill, Jadeja says ‘the time for captaincy is gone’ as India dominates Day 2 of Birmingham Test
Birmingham [UK], July 4: Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja delivered a commanding batting performance on Day 2 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston, but when asked about potential captaincy aspirations, the 35-year-old jokingly dismissed the idea, saying, “No, that time is gone now.” Jadeja’s critical 89 off 137 balls helped bolster India’s mammoth first-innings total of 587, keeping the visitors firmly in the driver’s seat after two days of play.
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Jadeja’s Batting Masterclass and Crucial Partnership with Gill
While playing a supporting role to India captain Shubman Gill, who went on to score a breathtaking 269, Jadeja’s innings was no less impactful. Together, the duo added 203 runs for the fifth wicket, draining England’s bowlers and setting the foundation for a daunting total.
Jadeja’s fluent knock, laced with sharp singles and authoritative strokes, came to a close when he miscued a pull shot off Josh Tongue, falling victim to a well-directed short ball that took the glove and was safely pouched by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
Despite the dismissal, Jadeja’s contributions had already set the tone for India’s dominance.
India Posts a Mammoth Total, England Falters Early
After Jadeja’s exit, Shubman Gill shifted gears and forged another 144-run partnership with Washington Sundar, who played a composed knock of 42 off 103 balls. Gill’s double century — a marathon 269-run innings — was the backbone of India’s final first-innings total of 587.
England’s bowling attack looked increasingly fatigued under the relentless pressure. Although Joe Root managed to dismiss Sundar, England had no answers to Gill’s class and consistency.
Early Blows Rock England’s Response
India’s new-ball pair of Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj struck early and hard, reducing England to 47/3 with the wickets of Ben Duckett (0), Ollie Pope (0), and Zak Crawley (19). The English top-order collapsed under pressure, handing India early control of the match.
Only a stabilizing effort from Joe Root (batting) and Harry Brook (batting), who put on an unbeaten 52-run stand, helped England recover marginally to 77/3 at stumps on Day 2.
Jadeja Shares India’s Day 3 Strategy
Speaking to reporters after the day’s play, Jadeja emphasized staying grounded despite the team’s strong position.
“We are not thinking too far ahead. We will have to take 2-3 wickets before lunch tomorrow. If we do that, then we will definitely be ahead in the game,” he said.
“Results can be anything. There have been big partnerships in cricket in the past. We will not take the game too lightly. We were playing with energy today. Hopefully, we will get a good result in India’s favour.”
Jadeja’s Role Remains Vital
Though Jadeja may have ruled out captaincy ambitions, his influence on the field remains undeniable — with the bat, the ball, and in shaping India’s strategy. His ability to anchor partnerships and offer tactical clarity underscores why he continues to be a vital cog in India’s Test setup.