Outcast Ravindra Jadeja making waves in Ranji Trophy, Ishant Sharma shines

New Delhi: Indian cricket team outcast Ravindra Jadeja has taken every opportunity in his stride after getting overlooked for the national team. Jadeja's magical outing with the ball for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy, has seen his side post two victories on the trot.

On slow turning tracks Jadeja is looking to get back his confidence and at the moment he has been stupendous after shutting out Jharkand within just two days. Jadeja's tally of 6/71 followed with 7/55 against Jharkand marked an excellent showcase of left-arm spin. Earlier against Tripura too, Jadeja contributed with both bat and ball and his surge in form is making waves in the domestic circuit.

The all-rounder who last played for India in the series against Bangladesh this year, was overlooked for the tour of Sri Lanka and the home series against South Africa. Jadeja's form in the international scenario has been patchy which prompted the selectors to drop him.

The Ranji Trophy comes as a blessing for the left-hander. With 24 wickets in two outings, Jadeja has turned home ground Rajkot into a fortress.

Jadeja will be looking to make a comeback with the Test squad yet to be selected against South Africa. Given his string of impressive performances, selectors might be tempted to get him back.

Jadeja will look to continue his fiery spell with both bat and ball and keep Axar Patel on his toes. The latter failed to impress in the T20 series against the Proteas and knows he needs to build up his performance in the ODI series.

Meanwhile Test specialist Ishant Sharma too made his name heard for Delhi against Vidharbha. The pacer picked six wickets in the ongoing Ranji Trophy match for Delhi at the Feroz Shah Kotla. Ishant has made good use of the surface and made the green top work to his tunes.

After impressing against Sri Lanka in India's 2-1 victory earlier, Ishant will be a crucial bowler for Test skipper Virat Kohli against the Proteas. Ishant hadn't been selected for the T20s and ODIs but his class is there to be seen and he could be a vital force for India in the four-match Test series.