Jadeja Breaks BCCI Protocol to Get Extra Practice, But Faces No Sanctions

Ravindra Jadeja breached the BCCI's standard operating procedures (SoPs) on the third day of the second Test against England in Birmingham—but for the right reasons, and without repercussions. While players are expected to travel to and from the ground together via the team bus, Jadeja arrived early on his own to get in some much-needed batting practice.

Following the 2024-25 Australia tour, the BCCI mandated that no player move independently to or from the ground, as part of its revised team management guidelines. However, given the nature of Jadeja’s action—arriving ahead of the team for extra preparation—no disciplinary action is expected.

“I felt if I could see the new ball off, it would become easier for the rest of the innings,” Jadeja explained. “Luckily I could bat till lunch, and then Washington [Sundar] also batted well with Shubman [Gill]. The more you bat in England, the better, because you never feel fully set. At any time, the ball can swing and take your edge.”

Resuming his innings on 41, Jadeja extended his vital partnership with Shubman Gill to 203 runs, taking India from a precarious 211 for 5 to a position of strength beyond 500. Though he fell short of a century, dismissed for 89 by a sharp bouncer from Josh Tongue, Jadeja’s contribution was instrumental in India’s commanding position.

“I took it as a challenge,” he said of the rescue act. “From 210 for 5, putting together a big partnership gives you confidence as a cricketer and as a batter that you can contribute in upcoming matches as well.”

Jadeja also found himself in the middle of some on-field friction with England captain Ben Stokes, who repeatedly complained to the umpires about the allrounder allegedly running on the pitch. Jadeja, known for his aggressive front-foot play and trademark follow-throughs down the wicket, defended himself.

“He felt I was making rough for myself,” Jadeja said. “I had no such intention. It might have happened once or twice by mistake, but I didn’t mean to. The fast bowlers were doing it anyway.”

As the match progressed, India’s bowlers made inroads with the new ball, but Jadeja suggested bowling would require patience and precision on a surface offering little lateral movement. “This pitch will need disciplined bowling and smart fields,” he said. “We’re not thinking about the final result yet—just focusing on maintaining energy and pressure on day three.”

Key Takeaways:

Jadeja violated BCCI’s SoPs by arriving solo, but only to get extra batting practice—no sanctions expected.
Scored 89 and shared a 203-run stand with Gill, rescuing India from a shaky position.
Engaged in a minor dispute with Ben Stokes over running on the pitch.
Emphasized the need for discipline and energy from India’s bowlers as the match progresses.