Ravindra Jadeja has always been known as one of India’s most dependable all-rounders — a player capable of changing the course of a match with either bat or ball. However, in 2025, Jadeja’s batting form has reached an entirely new level, and he has credited much of this success to India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir.
Jadeja has been enjoying a remarkable run with the bat this year, amassing 659 runs at an impressive average of 82.38. More importantly, his performances have been consistent across conditions, including a successful tour of England, followed by dominant performances at home. In the recently concluded Test series against the West Indies, Jadeja scored a brilliant century in the first Test at Ahmedabad and contributed crucial runs throughout the series. Alongside his eight wickets, he was deservedly named the Player of the Tournament.
After India’s comprehensive win in the second Test at New Delhi, Jadeja spoke candidly about the transformation in his batting mindset. “As Gauti bhai (Gambhir) said, I’m at number six now. So I’m thinking more as a proper batsman, and that works for me,” Jadeja told the broadcasters after the match.
He further explained how having a fixed batting position has made a big difference in his approach. “In the past, for many years, I’ve been batting at number eight or number nine, so my mindset was a little different from what I have now. I’m just trying to spend more time in the middle whenever I get a chance to bat,” he added.
The move to promote Jadeja up the order was a strategic decision by Gautam Gambhir, who took charge as India’s head coach earlier this year. Known for his aggressive cricketing mindset and tactical acumen, Gambhir has brought a sense of clarity and purpose to the Indian setup. For Jadeja, that clarity has translated into self-belief and responsibility.
“Batting at number six gives me time and the confidence to build an innings,” Jadeja said. “Earlier, coming in at eight or nine, my job was mostly to play with the tail or score quick runs. But now, I get the opportunity to play like a proper batsman. That change in mindset has helped me a lot.”
Indeed, Jadeja’s recent innings reflect this maturity. His ability to stabilize the middle order has provided India with balance and depth, especially in matches where the top order has struggled. Beyond the numbers, what stands out is the composure and control with which he now bats — blending patience with the ability to accelerate when needed.
Jadeja also remains as effective as ever with the ball. His eight wickets in the West Indies series underlined his all-round value to the team. However, he insists that it’s not about individual milestones. “To be honest, I don’t think too much about records. I just focus on contributing with both bat and ball to help my team win. I feel if I don’t perform in both departments, it doesn’t reflect my value as a player,” he said.
With the World Test Championship in progress and several key tours lined up, Jadeja’s resurgence with the bat could not have come at a better time for India. His partnership with Gambhir appears to have unlocked a more confident, consistent version of the left-hander — one who thrives on responsibility rather than just playing a supporting role.
If Jadeja continues this run of form, he could very well redefine his identity in Indian cricket — not merely as an all-rounder but as a dependable middle-order batsman who can turn games around. Under Gambhir’s mentorship, the 2025 season might just mark the beginning of a new chapter in Ravindra Jadeja’s illustrious career.
