Contributing with both the bat and the ball, Ravindra Jadeja’s performance played a key role in helping Team India beat Australia by 8 wickets in the fourth and final Test at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium here.
Jadeja, who left Ravichandran Ashwin behind to bag the top slot in the ICC's Test bowler rankings, bagged the ‘Man of the Match’ title for his performance. In the last game, Jadeja bagged four wickets and hit crucial 36 off 95.
The left-hander also won the ‘Man of the Tournament’ award for his 25 wickets and two half-centuries at the right time when the hosts needed someone to take the charge.
At the post-match press conference, Jadeja said that his next aim was to score a hundred.
"I am very happy that am the number one bowler in the world but am happier to be part of this champion team," Jadeja said.
“And being part of this champion Test side. When I batted, I was thinking to take my time and then Matthew Wade chirped from behind. That motivated me. If I can respond to him with runs, it will be great. Coaches and captain have been telling me I have the skill to bat long. I developed as a player overall,” he added.
Praising the left-armer, Ashwin said, “Jaddu (Jadeja) and I have been hand in glove all season. When we bowl in tandem, it has been great. Credit needs to be given to Jaddu, he gives me the cushion to try different things.”
Ashwin finished with a record-shattering 81 wickets in 13 Tests this home season.
India defeated Australia by 8 wickets in the decider game to clinch the four Test match series 2-1 to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
