In a light-hearted moment during the tense final day of the 1st Test between India and England at Leeds, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja gave fans a hilarious highlight that had nothing to do with wickets, but everything to do with his playful personality.
Despite not taking any wickets in England’s second innings so far, Jadeja was full of energy in the field. During the 27th over, Indian players, including captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant, approached the umpires with concerns about the condition of the Duke ball, which had noticeably softened. After multiple appeals and a thorough check, the umpires finally agreed to change the ball.
What happened next brought a smile to everyone’s face. As umpire Chris Gaffaney confirmed the ball switch, Jadeja turned toward him with a mischievous look and gave a subtle fist pump, as if celebrating a small victory. He also appeared to cheekily “sledge” the umpire in a fun, animated way that had viewers and commentators chuckling.
The incident quickly went viral on social media, with fans praising Jadeja’s sense of humor and his ability to keep things light even during high-pressure moments. Known for his sharp fielding and vibrant character, Jadeja once again showed why he’s such a fan favorite.
A final-day drama sets the stage for a thrilling finish
Meanwhile, the match itself is heading for a dramatic finish. England have been solid in their chase of 371, reaching 117/0 at lunch on Day 5, with Ben Duckett unbeaten on 64 and Zak Crawley on 42. With all 10 wickets in hand and momentum on their side, the next two sessions promises to be a thriller.
Still, amid all the tension, Jadeja’s comical gesture offered a brief, much-needed laugh, a reminder that cricket is as much about character as it is about competition.
