WTC Final: Ravindra Jadeja will be the X-Factor – Monty Panesar

Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes India’s all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be the X-factor in the upcoming World Test Championship final against New Zealand. Jadeja has been in sublime form in the recent past and he is going to hold the key for the Virat Kohli-led team.

The Indian all-rounder has taken giant strides and he will look to bring his best to the table for the national team. Jadeja had missed the final Test match against Australia due to a thumb injury and he was also not picked for the series against England.

However, he made a solid comeback to competitive cricket as he played for Chennai Super Kings in the truncated season of IPL 2021. Jadeja looked in good form as he scored 131 runs in six innings for CSK at an average of 131 and a blistering strike rate of 161.72. His best knock came against Royal Challengers Bangalore when he smashed 62 runs from 28 balls after scoring 36 runs in an over against Harshal Patel.

Furthermore, he scalped six wickets in seven matches at an average of 26.83 and thus delivered with both bat as well as the ball.

“For me, Ravindra Jadeja will be the X-factor. He’s been in terrific form in the IPL. If India decides to go with just one spinner, I’ll go with Jadeja instead of R Ashwin as the spin-bowling option. Jadeja’s defensive bowling skill and being a left-armer give him an upper hand,” Monty Panesar said while talking to India TV.

On the other hand, Panesar also believes India has a good chance of beating England by 5-0 as the pitches might offer turn to Indian spinners in August.

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja has improved his batting drastically in the last couple of seasons. Jadeja can deliver with both bat as well as the ball and he is also lightning quick in the field.

The World Test Championship final will be played between India and New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton on June 18.