In a recent video shared by the X handle of BCCI, Indian test all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja looked back on a memorable chapter of his India career as he returned to the Galle International Stadium. This is the same stadium where India had also won the Test in 2017. The veteran was shown a photograph from that victory, in which he played a key role with a six-wicket match haul. The memory prompted Jadeja to reflect on how much his journey with India has meant to him, especially after more than a decade at the highest level.
“Yes, it's from here. Barring the colour which has changed, the rest is the same. The last series we played here was in 2017. Obviously playing for India for 10 years means a lot because it takes a lot of effort to stay for a longer period of time,”Jadeja said. Recalling the 2017 series, he added that the last time India had played a series at the venue was in 2017. He then reflected on the demands of sustaining a long international career, saying, “I think I'm feeling blessed and thanks to God that I'm still playing for India and doing what I've been doing for India since so many years”. Jadeja’s latest appearance at Galle added another chapter to that journey.
He took four wickets in India’s 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test, helping the visitors take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The win also came in India’s 600th Test, with Manav Suthar claiming a 10-wicket match haul. India will now travel to Colombo for the second Test, beginning on Sunday.
“Jadeja’s upgraded version”: Aakash Chopra hails Manav Suthar after Sri Lanka loses first Test against India
GT player Manav Suthar’s impressive debut Test series continued to attract attention after the young left-arm spinner played a major role in India’s commanding win over Sri Lanka in Galle. Suthar took four wickets in the first innings before adding six more in the second, finishing with a 10-wicket match (combining both innings) haul as India secured a 165-run victory. His ability to generate drift, bounce and turn impressed former India batter Aakash Chopra, who believes the 24-year-old could eventually become an important successor to Ravindra Jadeja. Chopra also highlighted Suthar’s ability with the bat, making the comparison particularly interesting for India’s long-term Test plans.
The former Indian batsman was particularly impressed by the way Suthar troubled batters even when they looked to defend. “I will say yes because he is a mighty guy. When he releases the ball, it drifts, bounces, and turns. He dismisses you while defending. When you can make the opposing batter lick dust while defending, and that too repeatedly, that tells you this guy has the might,” he said. Chopra then explained why he sees Suthar as a potential successor to Jadeja. “Along with that, he also bats, which means you can keep him in mind even in overseas conditions. I am seeing him as a successor to Ravindra Jadeja because Jaddu will go at some stage, and you will need somebody like him. If I look at him purely as a bowler, I think he is Jadeja's upgraded version,” he added.
