Why Jadeja Will Be Crucial To India's Chances At The World T20

Consistency is his hallmark, as he rarely lets the batsman get after him...

- Renin Wilben

KL Rahul may have walked away with the man of the match award for his unbeaten half-century as India took a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand at Auckland. However, the win was set up by a brilliant bowling display led by Ravindra Jadeja and well backed up by death overs specialists Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. It was Jadeja’s splendid effort of 2 for 18 that stifled the hosts and never allowed them to dominate despite a reasonably good start by the openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro, who added 48 in the powerplay overs.

Jadeja sent back the dangerous Colin de Grandhomme with a good length delivery that stopped a bit on the pitch. The all-rounder was too early into his stroke and presented the simplest of return catches. He then frustrated New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, not allowing him any room to free his arms, thus forcing the captain to try and take him on. Williamson went for the big shot, but with the lack of elevation owing to Jadeja’s tight line, all the batsman managed to do was hit one straight down the throat of the fielder at deep square leg.