Kohli hails Jadeja after series win

Colombo, Sri Lanka: Skipper Virat Kohli hailed Ravindra Jadeja for his all-round performance in the series-clinching victory against Sri Lanka, saying the left-hand spinner gave the side a great balance.

India crushed the home team by an innings and 53 runs on day four of the second Test in Colombo to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Jadeja, the world No.1 spinner in ICC Test rankings, claimed five second-innings wickets as India bowled out the hosts for 386. He also contributed with an unbeaten 70 in India’s first innings total of 622-9 declared.

“Guys who’ve both abilities are very rare to find. That’s where we think they’re very precious, especially in the longer format because they provide you with great balance,” said Kohli reporters. “He can give you a very quick 60-70 anywhere at any stage and it can really turn the game… He’s always in the game. I would say he’s a very valuable cricketer for us.”