Ravindra Jadeja has slipped out of the top 10 in the latest ICC Test bowler rankings following a quiet outing in the Leeds Test against England. His performance — just one wicket for 172 runs across 27 overs  didn’t help India’s cause as the visitors fell to a five-wicket defeat on Day 5. For someone expected to lead the spin attack, especially in English conditions with no other frontline spinner in the XI, the numbers were underwhelming.

Prior to the rankings update on June 25, Jadeja held the No.10 spot among Test bowlers. However, the lack of impact in Leeds saw him drop three places to 13th. While that’s a setback, the left-arm all-rounder continues to hold onto the No.1 position in the Test all-rounder rankings  a title he’s retained through consistent performances over time. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s bowling spearhead, climbing higher thanks to his first-innings five-wicket haul.

The game at Headingley highlighted not just England’s smart batting but also India’s missed opportunities with the ball  and Jadeja’s lack of penetration was a major talking point. On a Day 5 pitch that was offering rough patches tailor-made for a left-arm spinner, Jadeja struggled to extract bite or control, leading to criticism from former cricketers and analysts alike.
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Missed Opportunity in Leeds as Jadeja Fails to Capitalise on Conditions

Former India cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar didn’t hold back in his assessment of Jadeja’s effort. He pointed out that while the pitch wasn’t classic English seamer-friendly territory, it did offer something for the spinner especially the rough areas outside the right-hander’s off stump. Jadeja, according to Manjrekar, failed to target that consistently, particularly against Ben Duckett, who batted freely through the final session.

Manjrekar noted that Jadeja did eventually make some adjustments against Ben Stokes but felt it came too late. In high-pressure games and on final-day pitches, experience is expected to shine  and that, many felt, was missing. With the second Test starting July 2 in Birmingham, all eyes will be on how Jadeja responds to the criticism and whether he can bounce back with a performance more worthy of his reputation.