Team India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja brought out his iconic sword celebration after notching up a vital half-century on Day 2 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston. The left-hander reached his milestone in the 89th over of India’s first innings, taking a single off Chris Woakes towards deep square to bring up his 23rd Test fifty and fourth in England. His celebration brought energy to the Indian camp and delighted fans both at the ground and watching around the world.

Jadeja’s innings came at a crucial moment for the visitors, who were reeling at 211/5 at one point on Day 1. He formed a gritty 100-plus run stand with captain Shubman Gill for the sixth wicket, which helped restore the innings after consecutive batting collapses in the Leeds Test. Jadeja’s calm yet aggressive knock turned the tide back in India's favor and gave their batting effort much-needed depth.

The Fifty was also his seventh against England in Test cricket, reaffirming his credentials as a reliable lower-middle-order batter in challenging conditions. His calmness and capacity to rotate strike made it easy for Gill to keep constructing his century at the other end, and their association became a major highlight of India's innings at Edgbaston.

Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja Keep India in Control

At the close of play, India were 332/5 after 90.3 overs, with Gill batting on 125 off 232 balls and Jadeja on 50 from 86. With Washington Sundar yet to come, India will look to post a 450-plus total in their first innings and put pressure back on England.

Watch the video here

THE SWORD CELEBRATION IS OUT FOR SIR JADEJA. ⚔️pic.twitter.com/ZuCTjxNRbN

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 3, 2025

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Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed a fluent 87 off 107 balls, while Karun Nair (31) and Rishabh Pant (25) added useful runs. England, who lead the five-match series 1-0 after chasing down 371 in Leeds, will be wary of India’s strong start—especially in the absence of rested pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

Ravindra Jadeja’s performance in the first Test against England at Headingley has raised fresh questions over his place in India’s overseas Test team ranks. Curse of The SG Test With R.Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav unavailable, Jadeja was the senior spinner and could manage only a wicket in 47 overs, going for 172 runs. As England pulled off a record chase of 371, Jadeja's inability to exploit the Day 5 rough drew sharp criticism from former players and fans alike.

Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin questioned whether Jadeja is still India’s best spin option in conditions like those in England. Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast, Haddin suggested that the 36-year-old left-arm spinner may be more suited as a supporting act, rather than the lead spinner abroad. With Ashwin now retired and Kuldeep warming the bench, the pressure is mounting on the Indian team management to rethink their spin strategy for the rest of the series.

Even former England batter Mark Butcher didn’t hold back, describing Jadeja’s bowling as “extraordinary… in a bad way.” He criticized the veteran for failing to land the ball in the rough until it was far too late, calling it a missed opportunity that may have cost India a chance at victory. The numbers reflect the concerns: Jadeja gave away runs at 4.33 per over and failed to provide the control or penetration expected from a senior spinner.
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Time for Change? Why Jadeja’s Spot Could Be Under Threat

With India trailing 0-1 in the five-match series and the second Test around the corner, the selectors may need to make bold decisions. Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist-spin offers a more attacking option, and if Nitish Kumar Reddy plays as a seam-bowling all-rounder, the team could afford to drop Jadeja without losing much batting depth.

Jadeja is a proven match-winner, especially in home conditions, but away from India where conditions don’t offer much turn his effectiveness as a lead spinner is being seriously questioned. While he still brings experience and energy, that may not be enough anymore. If India wants to level the series, they might have to look past reputation and go with the most impactful options on current form.

Ravindra Jadeja once again showed why he’s one of Indian cricket’s most entertaining characters  both with bat and ball, and this time, with his antics. On Day 5 of the gripping Test at Headingley, the Indian bowlers were desperate for a new ball as the old one had gone soft and offered little help. Despite repeated requests, the umpires turned them down multiple times, frustrating both the players and fans hoping for a breakthrough.

But India’s persistence finally paid off when the ball got stuck in the gauge during an inspection before the 28th over. That forced the officials to allow a change, bringing fresh hope for the bowlers. Jadeja, never one to miss a moment, celebrated right in front of umpire Chris Gaffaney with a dramatic fist pump and a cheeky grin. Gaffaney, to his credit, took it sportingly and even gave Jadeja a friendly pat on the back, which made for a hilarious sight on a tense day.

This fun moment instantly went viral and showed the lighter side of an intense Test match. With a fresh ball finally in hand and the crowd buzzing, India suddenly had a real chance to break through. Jadeja’s cheeky celebration wasn’t just for laughs it was his way of letting England’s batters know that India weren’t done yet and the fight was very much on.

Watch the Video:

.@imjadeja is all fired up as the umpire allows #TeamIndia a ball change! 🔄💥

Is a breakthrough around the corner? Will the next two sessions bring the wickets India needs? 👀#ENGvIND 1st Test Day 5 LIVE NOW Streaming on JioHotstar 👉 https://t.co/0K41uhrKJ5 pic.twitter.com/qKMYKc6gDl

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 24, 2025

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New Ball, New Hope

The whole ball-change drama really showed what this Indian team is all about  they just don’t back down, no matter how tough things get. Even with the weather and pitch not helping, they knew the new ball could be their big chance. With clouds overhead and a few cracks opening up, the bowlers had every reason to feel hopeful that they could finally crack England’s solid batting lineup.

Jadeja’s energy, combined with the fresh hardness of the ball, lifted the entire attack. If Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj could find a way to exploit any swing or bounce, India knew they could still turn the match on its head. In the end, it wasn’t just about a ball it was about a team refusing to settle until they get what they need to win.

It goes without saying that MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are perhaps the best leaders ever produced by Indian cricket. The two legendary figures are lauded by many for their tactical brilliance and their selfless attitude. As far as leadership is concerned, both Dhoni and Rohit have all the necessary ingredients needed to achieve supremacy in white-ball cricket. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that under their divine leadership, Indian cricket has conquered new heights and bagged six prestigious ICC titles.

See also: Cricketers who played IPL 2008 and are still going strong in 2025 — Last name will shock you!

In a recent interaction with the now-retired veteran spinner Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja was heard speaking at length about Dhoni and Rohit's captaincy traits. The left-arm all-rounder consistently praised the selfless leadership of both MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, highlighting their focus on team success over personal milestones. 

View the entire conversation: 

Ravindra Jadeja🎙️

Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni are real selfless cricketers. They never cared about personal milestones. There's a reason they won trophies as captains, while some haven’t in 18 years of their career. (Laughs)😭😭 pic.twitter.com/R8yvrC3sEk

— Veer (@WorshipRohit) May 28, 2025

Jadeja pointed out that the two captains always put their team's interests first before prioritizing their personal motives. It is due to this very selfless attitude, India has been able to achieve so much in world cricket. Whereas, leaders of similar stature have often struggled to achieve anything monumental, even in a career spanning as long as 18 years. 

Jadeja has played under the leadership of MSD for CSK and knows his personality from the inside out. Dhoni never singled out players for defeats, fostering a collective responsibility within the team. This inclusive leadership style has been a cornerstone of Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) success under Dhoni's captaincy. 

Rohit, on the other hand, often engages in individual discussions with players, clarifying their roles and granting them the freedom to play their natural game. This approach has instilled confidence and clarity among team members. It was thanks to his tactical brilliance that India managed to win two consecutive ICC titles after a drought of nearly 14 years. 

Veteran Indian leg-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has added fuel to an India captaincy controversy for their forthcoming Test series against England on June 20, 2025, in Headingley by suggesting a surprise candidate to captain the side in Ravindra Jadeja. Talking on his YouTube show 'Ash Ki Baat' on May 15, 2025, Ashwin recognized the common sentiment supporting Shubman Gill, who has been groomed to lead and recently took Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2025 points table top, but also brought to the forefront Jasprit Bumrah as a strong candidate before pushing for Jadeja, saying, "Everybody is saying that Shubman Gill is the Test captain. All are heading that way. But there is a big voice in Jasprit Bumrah, and why do we overlook Ravindra Jadeja?"

Ashwin's endorsement of Jadeja comes in a period of transition for Indian Test cricket, after the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the game earlier this month. A lot of experience comes with Jadeja, who has 312 Test wickets and 3,036 runs in 74 Tests, and he was a significant factor in India's success in the 2018-19 Test series in Australia.  Ashwin noted Jadeja's leadership ambitions, referencing his brief time as captain of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL in 2022 and his goal to captain India, stating that "the most experienced man in the side is Ravindra Jadeja."

A New Era for Indian Test Cricket

Recent news, though, points to trouble for the other candidates, as Bumrah has ruled himself out of the captaincy contest on workload grounds, given that he might not play all five Tests, and Gill does not have experience leading India in Tests or ODIs. The selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, will soon convene later this month to finalize the team and captain, as Jadeja's name now gathers momentum.

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Ashwin's recommendation of Jadeja may be a tactical decision to use the all-rounder's know-how to lead an inexperienced group in a tough series in England, signaling the beginning of the next World Test Championship cycle. In the absence of the likes of Kohli and Sharma, the selected skipper will be under tremendous pressure, and Ashwin's proposal is the turning point for India's future in Test cricket.

The BCCI has officially released the central contracts for the 2024–25 season, effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. These contracts are categorized into four distinct grades—A+, A, B, and C—based on a player’s consistency, performance, and overall value to the team across formats. This classification system helps identify top-tier talent and recognizes the importance of players in shaping India’s cricketing future.

Among the most significant highlights of the announcement are the shifts in player placements across the contract grades. Promotions, omissions, and surprising inclusions have sparked widespread discussions among fans and analysts. The list not only reflects current form but also hints at the selectors’ long-term vision. These changes are expected to influence team dynamics and individual player motivation moving forward into a crucial year of Indian cricket.

1. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan Return to Central Contracts

Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are back on the BCCI’s central contracts after missing out last year because of a lack of commitment to domestic cricket, instead having chosen to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Iyer, who is the leading run-scorer in India's Champions Trophy-winning run, has been handed a Grade B contract with ₹ 3 crore in annual retainers. With the likes of Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik firmly setting themselves up as India's wicket-keepers, Kishan has been handed a Grade C contract worth ₹ 1 crore, quite rightly, in this author's opinion. Both players will now be pleased to have been rewarded in the BCCI's contracts, and again, as demonstrated by Iyer's example, will surely be further incentivized to better balance the potential commitments of the IPL vs. IPL.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Can CSK still make Playoffs after crushing nine wickets loss to MI?

2. Rishabh Pant Promoted to Grade A

Due to Rishabh Pant’s continued success in all three formats of the game, he upgraded from a Grade B Contract to a Grade A Contract worth ₹ 5 crore in annual retainers. He now sits in category A with the likes of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. Pant’s aggressive batting and sharp glovework, especially after his remarkable recovery from a life-threatening car accident in 2022, have solidified his position as a key asset for India.

3. Elite Players Remain in Grade A+ 

The upper echelon remains the same, Grade A+, as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja are all still in Grade A+ at ₹7 crore a year. Bumrah is the only player in this group that plays all three formats, as Sharma, Kohli, and Jadeja are on a retirement spree following India's T20 World Cup victory in 2024. But the fact that they are retained highlights their undeniable role in Indian cricket. 

4. Introduction of New Faces in Grade C

The BCCI has included a few young talents in the central contracts, which included Dhruv Jurel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Abhishek Sharma. All of these players have impressed in their domestic circuits and the IPL, so each of them has a central contract at Grade C (₹1 crore). I view this as an important step forward for the BCCI, for all of these players have obtained their first contracts with the national board, and it shows India is investing in its players as it seeks to fill the talent pool with a healthy crop of players for the future. 

Also Read: Mumbai Indians playoff chances after CSK win: All you need to know

5. Discontinuation of Fast-Bowling Contracts and Questions on A+ Relevance:

The BCCI has withdrawn its fast bowling contracts (not just Bumrah, but Akash Deep and Umran Malik, etc.), and Akash Deep is the only player in Grade C. There should be some concern over the depth of India's fast bowling stocks. Also, there is a discussion on the relevance of the A+ itself, with three of the four (Rohit, Kohli, Jadeja) no longer playing T20I's.

These talking points highlight the BCCI’s balance between rewarding established stars, reintegrating disciplined players, and investing in emerging talent while addressing structural questions about contract categories.

The BCCI is set to announce the new central contract list in the near future, with a number of changes expected. Shreyas Iyer will be set to regain after his fine performances, while R Ashwin will be axed after his international retirement.

Will Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja Be Demoted

Fans are debating if Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja will be moved from their Grade A+ deals as they have retired from T20Is. Nevertheless, the news is that all three will still maintain their place in the higher order, as they continue to be important players in Tests and ODIs, especially for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Virat and Jadeja will likely be in India's team for the upcoming Test series against England, with Rohit's availability still doubtful. He is said to have decided to go out of the tour, but there is no official word as yet.

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Axar Patel's Promotion Certain

Axar Patel is likely to be elevated to a Grade A contract since he has continued to play consistently across all three formats. His timely contributions, like a match-winning 47-run support in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, have further cemented his case.

Ishan Kishan's Contract Status in Doubt

While Iyer is set to return to the contract list, Ishan Kishan’s status remains unclear. Both players were previously dropped for skipping domestic cricket. It remains to be seen if the board reinstates Kishan this time.

Final Decision Soon

Selectors, the central contracts to discuss the squad for the England tour.The last word on Rohit Sharma's position and leadership adjustments is also imminent. While Jasprit Bumrah's fitness remains an issue, the team administration is yet to pinpoint a obvious candidate for the captaincy job.

Wait for the official announcement from BCCI including chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, are going to meet on March 29 in Guwahati.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed a few of the greatest cricketers display their skills since its introduction in 2008. Year after year, numerous players have ruled with their batting, bowling, and all-round skills. Considering consistency, impact, and match-winning contribution, here is the all-time best XI in IPL.

1. Rohit Sharma (Opener)
Rohit Sharma is among the most successful captains in the history of IPL, guiding Mumbai Indians to several championships. With his classy stroke play and capacity to hold innings together, he is an absolute inclusion in the all-time XI.

2. Chris Gayle (Opener)
The "Universe Boss," Chris Gayle is the most destructive T20 batsman. His record-breaking 175* in IPL cannot be broken. With six-hitting skills and many centuries, he is the ideal aggressive opener.

3. Virat Kohli (Top Order)
The all-time leading run-scorer in IPL, Virat Kohli has been the mainstay of Royal Challengers Bangalore. His consistency, leadership, and chasing skills make him a sure pick.

4. Suresh Raina (Middle Order)
Nicknamed "Mr. IPL," Suresh Raina has been a regular run-getter in the league. His finishes and brilliant fielding make him an asset to the team.

5. AB de Villiers (Middle Order)
AB de Villiers is one of the most creative batsmen. He can hit shots all across the field. The fact that he can finish under pressure makes him a vital component of this XI.

6. MS Dhoni (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
MS Dhoni is the best captain in IPL history. His calm captaincy, finishing skill, and quicker-than-light wicketkeeping make him the best captain and wicketkeeper.

7. Kieron Pollard (All-Rounder)
Pollard is among the best finishers in T20 cricket. His big-hitting capability, handy bowling, and good fielding make him an asset for the team.
8. Ravindra Jadeja (All-Rounder)
Jadeja is an all-round package in T20s. His left-arm spin, lower-order batting, and brilliant fielding provide the team with ideal balance.

9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Fast Bowler)
Bhuvneshwar is, perhaps, the greatest swing bowler in IPL history. He is famous for bowling in powerplays and hindering runs through death overs.
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10. Jasprit Bumrah (Fast Bowler)
Bumrah is the best death-over bowler in IPL. His yorkers and variations of pace, as well as his knack for picking up key wickets, render him a fine bowler.

11. Lasith Malinga (Fast Bowler)
Malinga is the most successful overseas wicket-taker in IPL. His toe-smashing yorkers and match-winning bowling spells establish him as the tournament's legend.

Over the years, cricket supporters have noticed an interesting pattern. Whenever Virat Kohli has an emotional embrace with an elder player, retirement news is close behind. This has created a fun but thought-provoking debate—is the Kohli Hug a secret farewell sign?

1. MS Dhoni (2020) – The First Clue

The Kohli Hug was first popularized in 2019, during the Cricket World Cup. Kohli was observed having an emotional moment with MS Dhoni, even compelling fans to support him.

Even a year after that, on August 15, 2020, Dhoni had officially retired from international cricket. That was the first time that fans associated a Kohli hug with the retirement of a senior player.

Also See : Rohit Sharma: The Captain Who Redefined Indian Cricket’s Success in ICC Tournaments

2. AB de Villiers (2021) – A Farewell at RCB

Kohli and AB de Villiers had a strong connection at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). During IPL 2021, their friendship was clear, with Kohli openly showing admiration for ABD.

Before the season had even finished, de Villiers retired from all cricket. Once again, the Kohli Hug appeared to come before a big retirement.

3. Rohit Sharma (June 2024) – The End of an Era

T20 World Cup 2024 final was a moment of history for Indian cricket. Kohli and Rohit Sharma hugged tightly, both visibly emotional, after India's win.

Soon after, Kohli and Rohit retired from T20 internationals, an end of era in itself. Fans couldn't fail to see the Kohli Hug leaving its indelible mark once more.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin (December 2024) – A Sudden Goodbye

At the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024, Kohli was spotted hugging Ravichandran Ashwin following a pivotal game.

Weeks after, Ashwin hinted at his international retirement. With another experienced player leaving shortly after being hugged by Kohli, people could not help but wonder if this was a mere coincidence.

5. Steve Smith (March 2025) – A Rivalry Bites the Dust with Respect

India and Australia's Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final match featured a hard-fought battle. Following Australia's defeat, Kohli hugged Steve Smith with respect..

Soon after, Smith himself revealed his retirement from ODI cricket. Whether it was a genuine friendly hug or more, the trend followed, and fans couldn't help but speculate.

6. Ravindra Jadeja (March 2025) – The Next in Line?

During the final of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand, Kohli was photographed exchanging a warm hug with Ravindra Jadeja after bowling. The action became an instant sensation, raising eyebrows—is Jadeja next?

Although Jadeja has yet to confirm any retirement plans, fans are eagerly observing whether history will repeat itself.

While the Kohli Hug may just be an emotional moment between teammates, it has certainly given rise to a fascinating fan theory. As more legends retire after receiving Kohli’s heartfelt embrace, the big question remains—who’s next?

Also See : Rohit Sharma: The Captain Who Redefined Indian Cricket’s Success in ICC Tournaments

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Because of security fears, all India matches have been shifted to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. India will be in Group A along with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.

• Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
• Group B: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England

India's Group Stage Matches:

If India progresses to the semi-finals, their match is set for March 4, 2025, at the same venue. Should they reach the final, it will also be held in Dubai on March 9, 2025.

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