A match-winning bowling spell against Mumbai Indians, which included a sensational catch, earned Chennai Super Kings' all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja plaudits from India's former players, including the batting legend Sunil Gavaskar who called the left-hander "fearless like his captain" MS Dhoni.
Jadeja was at his best in the IPL match on Saturday evening as he picked up three wickets (3/20) and took a breathtaking reflex catch of Cameron Green.
The left-arm spinner was brilliant in the execution of his plans as he bowled a fine line and length to claim the prized scalps of Ishan Kishan (32), Cameron Green (12), and Tilak Varma (22). Ajinkya Rahane then slammed the fastest fifty of the 2023 season off 19 deliveries as CSK thrashed MI at the Wankhede Stadium by seven wickets on Saturday night.
"Like his captain, Jadeja is absolutely fearless. Green's catch is like making a possibility out of the improbable. No matter how much you praise this player, it is less," Gavaskar told Star Sports, the official TV broadcaster of IPL.
On the other hand, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh called Jadeja a superhero.
"Ravindra Jadeja is a superhero in the true sense. He can turn the match in his team's favour anytime with the ball or the bat. Not everyone can take the catch he took of Cameron Green. He is such a special player," said Harbhajan.
Meanwhile, former India coach and noted commentator Ravi Shastri lauded Dhoni, saying that the CSK skipper had every trick up his sleeve as he assessed the pitch well.
"MS Dhoni made excellent use of Santner and Jadeja against Mumbai Indians batters. He knew that on such wickets these two can turn the tide, and that is why he showed more confidence in them," said Shastri.
The defeat meant that five-time champions MI have now lost both their matches so far in this season. They will next face Delhi Capitals in an away game on Tuesday (April 11), while CSK take on Rajasthan Royals at home in Chennai on Wednesday (April 12).
(With agency inputs)
