Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced fresh concern about Ravindra Jadeja’s approach to spin, pointing to what he sees as a long-running caution when the ball slows down. The former India off-spinner believes Jadeja, particularly in T20s, has often chosen to absorb pressure rather than challenge spinners in the middle overs—an issue Ashwin says has continued into the current IPL season.
Why Ashwin believes Jadeja’s spin problem persists
Ashwin’s observations centre on how Jadeja has struggled to push the tempo against slower bowling since the 2020 IPL campaign. In that period, Jadeja has frequently found it difficult to accelerate versus spinners, which has allowed opposition captains to treat spin as a containment tool during the middle stages of an innings.
- Since the 2020 IPL season, Jadeja has struggled to build momentum against slower bowlers.
- Between 2020 and 2025, his strike rate versus spin hovered around 94.28—among the lowest for regular middle-order batters.
- From 2018 onward, his average against slow bowling has been just 21.22.
- Against spinners who turn the ball away from him, Jadeja’s strike rate drops further, falling well below 100.
Early IPL 2026 numbers underline a cautious batting pattern
Ashwin also highlighted that the same theme is visible in IPL 2026. He noted that Jadeja’s scoring rate remains restrained and that his boundary output has been limited across different types of bowling.
- In IPL 2026 so far, Jadeja has hit only two sixes from 117 balls.
- His boundary percentage across all forms of bowling remains low.
- Ashwin argues these figures reinforce the idea that Jadeja is not aiming to dominate the middle overs, but instead to absorb pressure.
Jadeja’s role for Rajasthan Royals and the Delhi Capitals match
While Jadeja is still viewed as a dependable finisher when the bowling is pace-heavy, Ashwin suggested that Rajasthan Royals have used him in a more measured role this season. The former all-rounder is described as being asked to stabilise innings during spin-heavy phases rather than consistently taking the attack to bowlers.
This was evident in Rajasthan Royals’ recent clash with Delhi Capitals. Jadeja was promoted ahead of Donovan Ferreira, but he could not make a decisive impact. He scored 20 runs off 14 balls before being dismissed by Mitchell Starc.
Ashwin’s comments: “He is not listening” and the Dhoni comparison
On his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin was direct in his assessment, claiming that repeated coaching messages have not translated into a more aggressive plan versus spin.
- Ashwin said many people, including coaches, have discussed with Jadeja the need to take on spinners more aggressively, but that Jadeja “is not listening.”
- He referenced the 2024 T20 World Cup, saying that when India needed a left-handed option higher up the order, Axar Patel was selected instead of the more experienced Jadeja.
- Ashwin explained the preference by saying Axar Patel “doesn’t hesitate,” and that Axar takes on spinners and other bowlers with confidence.
- Ashwin also compared Jadeja’s mindset to MS Dhoni’s, suggesting they share a similar approach shaped by years together in the Indian team.
- He added that both prefer to take games deep and focus on the pacers.
