Ravindra Jadeja completed 350 Test wickets on August 17 during the first Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium. The all-rounder removed bowling all-rounder Keshara Nuwantha in the third session to reach the landmark, becoming the fifth Indian in history to achieve the milestone.
Mohammad Kaif responded to Jadeja's achievement with emphatic praise for the all-rounder's contribution to Indian cricket. Kaif highlighted Jadeja's dual role in the team's balance and his sustained performance across multiple seasons.
"Kohinoor diamond. If you remove him, your team won't get created. The balance won't come. He does two jobs – batting and bowling. He made his debut in 2012. It is a journey of 14-15 years. We talk about him scoring runs and taking wickets whenever required," Kaif told via Sony Sports Network.
Why Jadeja's milestone matters to Indian cricket
Jadeja became the first-ever Indian left-arm spinner to reach 350 Test wickets. Only four Indian players have taken more Test wickets than Jadeja: Anil Kumble with 619, Ravichandran Ashwin with 537, Kapil Dev with 434, and Harbhajan Singh with 417.
Kaif further emphasised Jadeja's continued presence in the Indian team despite the departures of several senior players. The former batter highlighted how Jadeja has remained a constant fixture while other established names have moved on from international cricket.
"Kapil Dev is there. Daniel Vettori's name is there. We are not even talking about the fielding. We aren't able to make a team as soon as an all-rounder goes out. We have not been able to find Hardik Pandya's replacement to date. It doesn't seem like he is slowing down. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ashwin have gone, but he is playing," Kaif added.
Jadeja's rare dual achievement in Test cricket
Kaif stressed that Jadeja's 350 Test wickets represent a significant achievement built over sustained performance rather than isolated brilliance. The former India batter acknowledged the rarity of such milestones in cricket history.
"I am not a big fan of numbers. However, some numbers can be created in a day. Many players do incredible things one day. These numbers are created by performing for years, every season. 350 Test wickets is not a small thing," the former cricketer said.
In India's 600-Test history, no left-arm spinner had previously taken 350 wickets before Jadeja. Kaif highlighted the historical significance of Jadeja's achievement within the context of Indian cricket's evolution.
"In India's 600-Test history, no left-arm spinner has taken 350 wickets. See the list in which his name is there. See the names before him. This is a milestone in a huge journey. We could have celebrated him yesterday as well when he had two fewer wickets, and we might keep celebrating him tomorrow as well when wickets keep getting added to this," the cricketer-turned-commentator said.
For the unversed, the left-handed all-rounder became the fourth player in history to achieve the dual milestone of 4000 or more Test runs and 350 or more Test wickets. Globally, only three left-arm spinners have reached 350 Test wickets: Rangana Herath with 433, Jadeja with 350, and Daniel Vettori with 362.