CT 2013: How 'Sir' Ravindra Jadeja surprised South Africa

Sports Desk: He has been the butt of jokes and jibes, but when it comes to commitment on the field, there are not many who come close to Ravindra Jadeja.

After a fine IPL season, where his lusty blows and canny left-arm spin worked well for Chennai Super Kings, Jadeja turned it on against the Proteas on Thursday with a fine all round performance.

His performance induced as many as four turning points in the game. We take a look at them here:
  

First turning point

Though Shikhar Dhawan completed a fine hundred, it was Jadeja’s 29-ball 47 that pushed India to 331.
In his 37-minute undefeated stay at the crease, Jadeja smacked 7 fours and a six.

  

Considering that South Africa got to 305, Jadeja’s innings assumes greater significance.

Second Turning Point

Proteas began their chase in right earnest, and were approaching 332 when Jadeja effected the second tuning point of the game.

Robin Peterson was batting with captain AB de Villiers, and the two didn’t look in any sort of trouble. In the 25th over, Peterson played a R Ashwin delivery and set off for an easy single. 

Sensing the opportunity, Jadeja dived to his left and released the ball flat and fast from mid-wicket. Dhoni collected the ball cleanly and ran Peterson out.

Jadeja’s quick thinking and lightening fast throw was thus the second turning point of the game.

  

Third Turning Point

Left-hander JP Duminy is not known to throw his wicket away easily. Had he stayed on, India would have been in serious trouble. 

However, Jadeja ended Duminy’s stay on the fourth ball of the 31st over, getting him leg before. 

This proved to be match’s third turning point. 

  

Fourth Turning Point

South Africa bat deep, hence it was imperative to get them all-out.

Jadeja clean-bowled Lonwabo Tsotsobe in the 43rd over to quell any hopes of last-minute upsets.