Ravindra Jadeja has shifted his bowling mindset from defensive run-restriction to aggressive wicket-taking, says Cheteshwar Pujara

Ravindra Jadeja has made a return to India's Test squad after recovering from a tennis elbow injury sustained during IPL 2026. The all-rounder comes back into the squad for the first time since January 2026, having last featured in a Test during India's home series against South Africa in Guwahati in November 2025. India will play a four-day practice match in Colombo from August 7 before the opening Test in Galle on August 15, with the second Test scheduled in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

Cheteshwar Pujara, speaking ahead of the Sri Lanka Test series, offered insights into Jadeja's evolution as a bowler in the red-ball format. According to Pujara, Jadeja has fundamentally altered his approach to bowling in Test cricket, moving away from a strategy centred on restricting runs and towards one focused on taking wickets.

"Earlier, when Ravindra Jadeja used to bowl, his mindset was not to give away too many runs, especially in red-ball cricket. If there was a little help in the wicket, then he would try to take wickets. But if the wicket was not conducive to bowlers, his focus was on restricting the runs. But now, he has understood his own strengths and is bowling accordingly. In every game, he is trying to land the ball in the line of the stumps and get the batter out," Pujara said via JioStar.

"Earlier, his mindset was a little more defensive, but now he is delivering every ball with the purpose of taking a wicket. So, you think a little more about your game. You use the crease a little better, try to go wider, and adjust your length according to the batter. That mental shift is very important for the game," the former India batter added.

The shift in Jadeja's bowling philosophy reflects a more proactive approach to Test cricket. Rather than adopting a cautious stance when conditions do not favour fast bowling, the India cricketer now prioritises wicket-taking intent in every delivery. This change encompasses technical adjustments as well, including improved use of the crease and more deliberate length variations tailored to individual batters. Pujara emphasised that such a mental recalibration is crucial for a bowler's development in the longest format.