Ravindra Jadeja produced a stunning delivery to dismiss Steve Smith during the Cricket World Cup 2023 match between India and Australia in Chennai on Sunday. Jadeja decided to attack Smith with a back-of-the-length delivery, which landed roughly around the leg-stump line before turning sharply to clip the top of the off-stump. Smith, who was looking in good touch, was completely foxed by the late deviation of the ball. Even Virat Kohli was left amazed by the movement of the ball, which provided India with a crucial wicket.
Jadeja described the Chepauk surface as similar to a Test match wicket, with some deliveries turning while others went straight. He explained his plan was to bowl on the stump line, taking advantage of the varying movement of the ball. He believed it would be challenging for the batsman due to the unpredictable nature of the pitch.
When asked about his role compared to Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav, Jadeja responded with a smile, stating that their only role was to take as many wickets as possible.
Jadeja emphasized the significance of Smith’s dismissal, considering it the turning point of the match. He believed it became difficult for the new batsmen to rotate the strike after Smith’s wicket. Jadeja also expressed his familiarity with the Chennai conditions, having played for CSK for over a decade, and stated his happiness in contributing to the team’s success.
Overall, Jadeja’s incredible delivery to dismiss Smith provided India with a momentum shift in the match and played a crucial role in Australia’s ultimate collapse.