Ravindra Jadeja is the only cricketer in India's Test squad who can force his way into the XI purely as a batter as well as a specialist bowler.

Some would say, even as a fielder. He is that good anywhere in the outfield. If 3-D cricketer was a timeless classic then Jadeja would pass as its lead every time. The machismo attached to his moustache and the sword celebration after reaching a milestone adds to the cult hero that is Jadeja, the cricketer.

Jadeja is one of the rare cricketers who seldom finds himself in the headline in the lead-up to a Test match but is always talked about in detail when absent. Jadeja's void in the Indian XI is dreaded way more than his presence is celebrated. In a way, that is good for a cricketer like him. There is way too much on his plate anyway.

In Virat Kohli and KL Rahul's absence, he is now India's No.5 batter in the Test series against England. When the limelight is rightly focussed on his spin-bowling partner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is set

partner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is set to feature in his 100th Test in the fifth and final assignment of the five-match affair against England in Dharamsala, Jadeja knows the amount of work he has to put in in all three departments to push India's cause for a 4-1 triumph.

Like every all-rounder, does Jadeja have a favourite discipline? If India's first training session in chilly conditions at the HPCA Stadium on Tuesday was anything go by then wouldn't have any doubts before placing his bet on batting being Jadeja's preferred part.

The left-hander had two long batting stints at the nets, reported The Indian Express. In between the coaches asked him to end his session. His teammates pleaded. But Jadeja was not leaving the nets. "A few more balls," he requested and kept on batting.