Ravindra Jadeja Expresses Interest in Test Captaincy, Reflects on Learnings from Dhoni

Ravindra Jadeja Expresses Interest in Test Captaincy, Reflects on Learnings from Dhoni

Last Updated May - 29 - 2025, 04:26 PM | Source : Fela News

Veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has expressed his desire to captain India in Test cricket, drawing on leadership insights gained from playing under a range of iconic captains throughout his career. Speaking to teammate Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, the 36-year-old said, “Yes, definitely! Over the years, I have played under different captains. I know their mindsets and understand what players need on the field.” Jadeja, who made his Test debut in 2012, has featured in 80 Test matches and is regarded as one of the best spin-bowling all-rounders in the world. His comments come shortly after Shubman Gill was named captain for the upcoming Test series in England, with Rishabh Pant appointed as vice-captain.

Jadeja credited former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for playing a crucial role in shaping his approach to the game. “MS Dhoni’s thinking is very simple and effective. If he senses a batter’s strength, he positions fielders accordingly to make things difficult,” Jadeja said. He also shared a lighthearted anecdote from his early days, recalling his nervousness meeting Dhoni for the first time during the 2005 Challenger Trophy.

Discussing the nuances of leadership across formats, Jadeja noted that Test captaincy is more strategic and less chaotic compared to T20s. “In Tests, it’s about making calculated decisions, adjusting a couple of fielders based on the bowler’s plan. It’s not as dynamic as T20s where every ball changes the game.” Interestingly, Ashwin himself has publicly backed Jadeja as a potential red-ball captain in the future. Jadeja also reflected on his transformation from a white-ball hopeful fascinated by colored jerseys to becoming a key pillar of India’s Test setup—something he hadn’t imagined early in his career.

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