New Delhi, August 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara believes Ravindra Jadeja’s shift from a defensive approach to an attacking mindset has played a crucial role in making him a more effective Test bowler.
Speaking ahead of India’s upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, Pujara said Jadeja now bowls with a clear objective of taking wickets rather than focusing only on restricting runs.
“Earlier, when Ravindra Jadeja used to bowl, his mindset was not to give away too many runs, especially in red-ball cricket. If there was a little help in the wicket, then he would try to take wickets. But if the wicket was not conducive to bowlers, his focus was on restricting the runs,” Pujara told Jio Star.
“But now, he has understood his own strengths and is bowling accordingly. In every game, he is trying to land the ball in the line of the stumps and get the batter out,” he added.
Pujara said the left-arm spinner’s improved understanding of his strengths has allowed him to use the crease better, vary his angles and adjust his lengths according to batters while maintaining control.
“Earlier, his mindset was a little more defensive, but now he is delivering every ball with the purpose of taking a wicket. So, you think a little more about your game. You use the crease a little better, try to go wider, and adjust your length according to the batter,” Pujara explained.
Jadeja is set to make his Test comeback after recovering from an elbow injury suffered during the Indian Premier League earlier this year. The injury forced him to miss India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan last month.
The upcoming Sri Lanka series will be Jadeja’s first Test outing since November 2025, when he featured in India’s home series against South Africa.
The veteran spinner played a key role in that series, taking four wickets in the second innings of the opening Test at Eden Gardens. In the second Test at Guwahati, he claimed two wickets in the first innings and four more in the second to finish with six wickets.
With Sri Lankan pitches traditionally offering significant assistance to spinners, Jadeja’s return is expected to strengthen India’s bowling attack as the team continues its push for a place in the World Test Championship final.
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