IND vs SA | Twitter reacts as Jadeja's acting chops don't prove enough to avoid embarrassing dismissal

Yesterday at 12:50 PM

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Test cricket in large parts is a sport of deception, as batters keep changing approach to unsettle bowlers while the counterparts aim to execute the perfect setup and punchline. Ravindra Jadeja took the idea to a new extreme in Guwahati on Monday with some impromptu acting but without any reward.

Ravindra Jadeja was disappointed with himself after he failed to bail India out of trouble in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati

India were left staring at a second home whitewash in the space of a year as their batting crumbled on a worn down track at the Baraspara Stadium in Guwahati, after South Africa had posted 489 in the first innings. Marco Jansen led proceedings from the front with a briilliant marathon spell that brought the team four scalps in quick succession and completely crippled the hosts with the side still 350 away from their rivals with just three wickets in hand. The latest of his victims was Ravindra Jadeja, an in-form batter, albeit the manner of dismissal was not one Jansen could have anticipated.

With the short ball strategy having brought him success, towering Jansen continued to employ the tactic to good effect as the variable bounce of the surface made the batters unsure of how to deal with it. Jadeja was in the same boat as he looked to get his eye in, having arrived fresh at the crease, and a sharp bumper as soon as he came on strike in the 45th over did not help. The veteran turned his body around as he ambraced for a blow to the body and the red cherry duly complied by hitting him hard on the shoulder. However, with the pain came misfortune as the SG deflected off Jadeja's body to hit the back of his bat pointing towards fine leg, before ballooning off the blade straight into the hands of slip for the easiest of takes. The Proteas immediately began to celebrate but a couple of their players eemed unsured, sensing which Jadeja clutched his shoulder and turned around to face the umpire indicating the ball had hit him instead of his bat. However, Verreyne had seen it all happen in front of him clear as day and even though the batter's antics managed to convince the umpire, South Africa hesitated little in going upstairs to foil Jadeja's deception.

The 36-year-old thus walked off distraught, albeit Twitter did seem to enjoy his attempts at fooling the rivals.

Jaddu Gone!

— Robinson (@Robinson966715)

haha!

Jadeja thought South Africa will fall for his rubbing of the shoulder 🤣😂🤣😂🤣. DRS will get you. Another wicket for Proteas
— Noko (@TruthOrPeace_)

Yes!

Wicket number 7.

Jadeja goes for 6.

Ind 122/7.

LOOKS LIKE INDIAN BATTERS WILL BE BACK AGAIN FOR FOLLOW ON.
— Sagar Dixit (@saga__r)

Jansen strike!

– Marco Jansen gets another wicket as Ravindra Jadeja is caught by Aiden Markram — the same pair strike again.

– South Africa nail a brilliant review — Jadeja tries to hold his right shoulder, but UltraEdge shows a clear spike.

– India fall further and are now 122/7.…
— Rinkal Mangukiya (@mnmangukiya)

!!!!

The biggest insult in Ben stokes career is getting compared to Ravindra Jadeja.
— 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 👑 (@Goatlified)

IND in trouble!

Jaiswal - 58

Rahul - 22

Sai - 15

Dhruv - 0

PR Pant (Captain wk)- 7

Jadeja - 6

Nitish Kumar Reddy - 10

Sundar - 17*

Kuldeep - 1*

Bumrah -?

Siraj -?

India must take action against selectors and Team manegement,

It is not acceptable India loss a series against SA at home
— Soib Aktar Pal (@Palsoibaktar)

Failed!

should be sacked at the very moment. His tactics have clearly failed. The test team needs a complete overall with an experienced player like Jadeja or Bumrah being appointed as captain.
— Rational Hot Takes (@rathottakes)

Why!?

is a joke of a captain. When the team has leaders like , why is Pant forced as a captain?

Most overrated player of all time.
— Rational Hot Takes (@rathottakes)

Jadeja gone!