Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has showered praise on Ravindra Jadeja for his consistent batting performance in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar series against England. However, Chopra reckons that in the absence of former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja should be the bowler first.

In the last few years, Jadeja has taken his batting to new heights and he has been in terrific form in the ongoing series. Jadeja scored an unbeaten knock of 107 runs in the second innings of the fourth Test match against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, and added 203 runs with Washington Sundar.

Jadeja has amassed 454 runs in four Test matches at a splendid average of 113.50 against England. But the left-arm orthodox spinner has failed to deliver with the ball as he has scalped seven wickets in four games at an average of 67.71.

“It’s a thing worth talking about because he is doing an incredible job if he plays at No. 6 only and bats like this. However, his primary role shouldn’t change because Ravichandran Ashwin isn’t there now. Until Ashwin was there, you had two quality wicket-takers in the spin department,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“However, when you go outside India, the pitches become flat, those many wickets don’t come in Jaddu’s account, and (Washington) Sundar is there with him instead of Ashwin, and suddenly you realize how it would work out if both of them are playing together. Jaddu has to be the bowler first,” he added.

The renowned commentator added that Jadeja should ideally bat at number seven as he would want a specialist batter to take the number six slot.

“He is batting very well, but should he be like a batter who bowls? Nah, nah, Jaddu should be a bowler who takes five-wicket and 10-wicket hauls, and bats a little along with that. I feel we should go in that direction. I think long-term No. 7. You still need a batter at No. 6 because your keeper comes at No. 5,” he said.

“When the keeper comes at No. 5, you need one more batter at No. 6. Then you move from No. 7 onwards – Jadeja and then four bowlers. That is ideal. If Jaddu starts coming at No. 6, we will eventually start playing a lot of all-rounders, and that won’t be a great thing. That’s what I feel, genuinely,” Chopra observed.

The fifth and final Test match between England and India will be played at the Kennington Oval, London, from 31st July onwards.