ENG vs IND 2025: MS Dhoni's old 2010 statement resurfaces about Ravindra Jadeja

15 years ago, legendary Indian skipper, MS Dhoni, spoke about Ravindra Jadeja’s potential to become a true all-rounder. At the time, Jadeja was yet to make a permanent spot in India’s lineup, often contributing more with the ball than the bat. Dhoni’s comments have resurfaced in 2025 after Jadeja’s match-saving century in Manchester.

Back in 2010, ahead of a final against Sri Lanka, Dhoni had spoken about Jadeja's abilities and becoming a potential game-changer. Fast forward to 2025, the veteran all-rounder has gone on to become one of the most dependable players with his skills to contribute from all three departments. 

"Jadeja needs to contribute more with bat. When he came into the team he was more of a batsman who could bowl. But now he has turned into more of a specialist bowler. He bowls at the death, he bowls in the Powerplays. So, I think he is the best potential we can turn into an all-rounder. The lack of an all-rounder is a big concern. If you want to play with five bowlers then one or two of them need to bat.

Jadeja has got the potential. He has done well in the IPL and domestic games. Now, he has got fair amount of chances in international level also and we are hoping that he clicks. He has done well in the bowling department and can even be called a specialist bowler. We hope that he stands out with his batting performance because he is the kind of guy who can give you stability at number six or seven. There are not many players that you can fill the spot right now," Dhoni said ahead of Thursday's final in which India play Sri Lanka.

Jadeja equals Sir Garfield Sobers’ record

Meanwhile, Jadeja in the just-concluded fourth Test at Old Trafford played a magnificent knock. With India struggling after conceding a 244-run first-innings lead, Jadeja produced one of the finest innings of his career. His unbeaten 107, along with Washington Sundar’s century and Shubman Gill’s ton, helped the visitors pull off a remarkable draw at 425/4 after being 0/2 at one stage.

Jadeja batted for over five sessions and helped India not lose any more wickets. In doing so, he equaled Sir Garfield Sobers’ record from 1966 for the most fifty-plus scores (five) at No.6 or lower in a single Test series in England. His performances in this series, 89, 69*, 72, 61*, 20, and 107*, have led to the resurfacing of Dhoni’s long-ago prediction about his batting capabilities.

Apart from Manchester innings, Jadeja also became only the third visiting cricketer to score over 1000 runs and take 30+ wickets in England, joining legends like Sobers and Wilfred Rhodes. He now shares the record for most 50+ scores at No.6 or lower in England as a visiting batter (9), again tied with Sobers.