Star Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has once again become the centre of cricketing discussions, with reports emerging that he allegedly breached Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) protocols during India’s dominating Test victory against England at Edgbaston last week.
While the team celebrated a comprehensive win, questions were raised over a minor incident involving Jadeja, sparking debates about player autonomy, BCCI guidelines, and tactical gamesmanship.
What Happened at Edgbaston?
During Day 2 of the Edgbaston Test, television cameras captured Jadeja applying a substance on his index finger before beginning a new spell. The footage showed him taking something from his teammate Mohammed Siraj and rubbing it on his spinning finger.
The incident immediately went viral on social media, with some alleging ball tampering, while others insisted it was purely medical treatment to manage pain.
ICC’s Clarification
The International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a clarification the following day, stating:
“The match officials were satisfied it was an approved pain relief ointment for a swelling on Jadeja’s spinning finger. No further action was taken as there was no intent to alter the ball condition.”
BCCI Rules and Player Treatment Protocols
The BCCI has strict rules regarding on-field medical applications:
- Physio Approval: Any ointment or medication used during play must be approved by the team physio and declared to match officials.
- On-Field Application: Players are advised to apply such substances under physio supervision to avoid controversies or accusations of unfair play.
- No External Items: Only BCCI-approved medical kits can be used during a match to maintain uniformity and transparency.
In Jadeja’s case, while the ICC cleared him of wrongdoing under global playing conditions, sources suggest he did not seek immediate physio intervention for the ointment application, technically breaching BCCI’s internal protocol for public transparency.
Why Did Jadeja Do It?
Team sources revealed Jadeja had developed minor swelling on his spinning finger due to continuous overs in the humid English conditions. The ointment was a pain relief balm to avoid blistering, helping him grip and spin the ball more effectively.
Ravindra Jadeja’s Performance at Edgbaston
| Innings | Batting | Bowling |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 78 runs (157 balls) | 4/54 (22 overs) |
| 2nd | 34* runs (45 balls) | 3/28 (14 overs) |
Jadeja’s all-round brilliance was crucial in India securing a seven-wicket victory, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Fan Reactions
While rival fans accused Jadeja of bending rules to gain tactical advantage, Indian supporters defended him, calling the allegations baseless and highlighting his integrity and sportsmanship.
One user wrote:
“Jadeja doesn’t need ball tampering to win games. His skill and consistency are unmatched.”
Expert Opinions
Former India coach Ravi Shastri downplayed the controversy:
“This is overblown. Players use pain relief balms and sprays regularly. Jadeja is a champion who fights through pain.”
Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan, however, emphasised the importance of transparency:
“Even if it’s an ointment, such applications should be made under umpire supervision to avoid suspicion.”
Tactical Impact of Jadeja’s Action
Cricket analysts believe Jadeja’s timely finger treatment allowed him to maintain his spin sharpness, extracting bite and turn even as the pitch flattened on Day 3. His dismissal of England’s top-scorer Joe Root for 88 with a sharp-turning delivery changed the match momentum decisively.
BCCI’s Likely Internal Review
While ICC has closed the matter, BCCI sources indicate the team management may issue a verbal advisory to Jadeja reminding him of:
- Seeking physio assistance for any on-field medical application
- Declaring substances to match officials for transparency
- Maintaining procedural compliance to protect individual and team reputation
Jadeja’s Past Discipline Record
| Year | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Verbal spat with James Anderson | Fined 50% match fee |
| 2017 | Shoulder celebration vs Australia | Warned by match referee |
| 2022 | Ointment application vs England | Fined 25% match fee |
| 2025 | Edgbaston ointment use | Cleared by ICC; under BCCI review |
Despite occasional controversies, Jadeja is widely respected for his professionalism, discipline, and work ethic in both domestic and international cricket.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Dominance in England
India’s victory at Edgbaston continued their impressive away form:
| Venue | Result | Margin | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edgbaston | Won | 7 wickets | 2025 |
| Lord’s | Won | 151 runs | 2021 |
| Oval | Won | 157 runs | 2021 |
| Headingley | Lost | Innings & 76 runs | 2021 |
| Old Trafford | Draw | – | 2022 |
The series win boosted India’s World Test Championship points, strengthening their bid for the 2025-27 final.
Conclusion
While Ravindra Jadeja’s use of pain relief ointment at Edgbaston has raised procedural questions under BCCI internal rules, the ICC has cleared him of any wrongdoing under international cricket laws. His outstanding performance with both bat and ball remains the key takeaway from India’s victory, further cementing his status as one of modern cricket’s greatest all-rounders.
Disclaimer: This report is based on official clarifications, team sources, and analyst opinions. It does not express personal views or suggest breach of international cricket rules.
