Ravindra Jadeja Names Top Modern-Day Strikers Ahead of Champions Trophy

MUMBAI, India — Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja recently highlighted two of the most formidable batsmen he has faced, naming England’s Jos Buttler and Australia‘s Glenn Maxwell as his top picks. During an Instagram video released by the ICC, Jadeja praised both players for their match-winning abilities.

“Maxwell is a match winner for Australia,” Jadeja noted, underscoring both players’ capacity to change the game for their respective teams. Buttler, currently sidelined due to injury, remains one of Jadeja’s top threats in the cricketing world.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami weighed in on the discussion, identifying New Zealand‘s rising star Rachin Ravindra as a player to watch. “I always like Ravindra because he is attacking in powerplay and his shot selection is good in these conditions,” Shami said, commending Ravindra for his aggressive style and smart shot-making.

As the bowlers reflected on their experiences, it was evident that shot selection and the capability to score freely during the middle overs had captured their attention. The Indian bowlers have often found themselves on the receiving end of aggressive performances from upcoming batsmen like Ravindra.

Interestingly, Travis Head, known for his consistent performances against India, did not receive similar recognition from Jadeja and Shami during their discussion. This absence raises questions about the perceptions of threat among bowlers facing different challengers.

All-rounder Axar Patel contributed to the conversation by endorsing South African batsman Heinrich Klaasen. “Heinrich Klaasen had a very good T20 World Cup and he plays shots all around the ground in middle overs,” Patel said, applauding Klaasen’s recent resurgence despite India’s previous victory over South Africa in the 2023 World Cup.

The Champions Trophy has seen India advance to the semifinals, joined by New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia. The matchups will be finalized following the impending game between India and New Zealand, which is set to commence shortly. While Rachin Ravindra has already notched a century against Bangladesh, Glenn Maxwell has yet to showcase his explosive capabilities in the tournament so far.