Ravindra Jadeja didn’t know about Test vice-captaincy: candid reaction and what it means for India

Ravindra Jadeja has revealed that he found out about his Test vice-captaincy the same way everyone else did—by seeing “VC” written next to his name in the squad list for the West Indies series. The all-rounder called it a gesture of respect from the captain, coach, and team management, and promised to contribute wherever leadership is needed on and off the field.

Jadeja’s honest take

Speaking ahead of the series, Jadeja said there was no prior communication about the promotion, but he welcomed the responsibility with humility and clarity.

“They gave me the respect. The captain, the coach, and the management have decided to give me the responsibility. Whenever the team needs anything regarding team planning or whatever, I am always happy to contribute.”

He added that the surprise was genuine.

“They didn’t say anything to me. I just saw VC written next to my name when the team was announced. At the end of the day, whatever experience you have to share, you do it for the team.”

Jadeja also spoke about carrying form and belief from recent away cricket into the home season.

“As a player, I gain my confidence. Whenever you perform in England, you get that confidence. Hopefully, I can continue and take forward that confidence into this series, score some runs and some wickets.”

Why the call makes sense

• Experience and balance: With 80+ Tests, 300+ wickets, and key lower‑middle order runs, Jadeja’s all‑format nous anchors India’s planning—especially at home where spin and lower‑order runs swing games.

• Leadership by habit: Even without a title, Jadeja sets fields, shapes bowling plans, and raises intensity in drift sessions; the formal designation simply reflects an existing leadership presence.

• Support for a young captain: With Shubman Gill leading his first home series, an assured, low‑noise deputy in Jadeja provides tactical ballast and calm messaging in long spells.

What changes on the field

• Bowling plans: Expect Jadeja to steer the spin agenda—switching speeds and angles, setting leg‑slip/silly‑point traps, and managing footmark targeting late in innings.

• Batting glue: As vice‑captain, Jadeja’s shot selection in pressure pockets—especially with the tail—becomes a tone‑setter for discipline and risk.

• Fielding standards: He remains the huddle’s energy source—backing up throws, patrolling hotspots, and pushing over‑to‑over urgency.

Context of the promotion

Rishabh Pant remains unavailable for this series, creating a temporary leadership vacancy. Jadeja’s elevation underscores selectors’ preference for a senior voice who understands home conditions deeply. It also echoes the long-standing principle that India’s leadership spine should blend youthful authority with tested experience.

What to watch vs West Indies

• Jadeja–Kuldeep–Sundar axis: Control plus wrist‑spin bite to compress scoring and create bat‑pad chances.

• Lower‑order runs: Jadeja’s partnerships from No. 6/7 can turn middling totals into match‑winning leads.

• Role clarity: The vice‑captain’s voice in DRS calls, bowling changes, and short bursts around session breaks.

“It’s very special for me as a player,” Jadeja said. “Whenever the team needs my experience—particularly planning—I am always happy to do it.”