Cricket fans love flair—big sixes, fiery bouncers, magical spin. But sometimes, the real magic happens in silence, on a quiet practice pitch, with nothing but colored cones and relentless focus. That’s exactly where Ravindra Jadeja was found just days before India’s high-stakes ODI series against New Zealand.
A short video surfaced showing Jadeja, under the watchful eye of new bowling coach Morne Morkel, meticulously aiming deliveries at blue, green, and red cones placed across the pitch. No crowd. No commentary. Just pure, surgical precision. This isn’t just another training session—it’s a master craftsman fine-tuning his weapon for a very specific battle. And given Jadeja’s history against the Black Caps, it’s hard not to see this as a strategic move with serious consequences.
Table of Contents
- What Is the ‘Blue, Green, Red’ Drill?
- Morne Morkel’s Role in Jadeja’s Preparation
- Ravindra Jadeja Training and His ODI Dominance Over New Zealand
- Why Precision Matters More Than Ever in Modern ODIs
- Fantasy Cricket and Fan Impact
- Conclusion: A Silent Warning to the Black Caps
- Sources
What Is the ‘Blue, Green, Red’ Drill?
The drill appears deceptively simple: colored cones mark specific zones on the pitch—perhaps a yorker on off stump (red), a hard length on middle (green), or a wide line outside off (blue). The bowler must hit these targets consistently, ball after ball.
For a spinner like Jadeja, whose strength lies not in mystery but in control, consistency, and subtle variations, this type of target practice is gold. It trains muscle memory, sharpens decision-making under pressure, and eliminates wasteful deliveries—exactly what you need when facing a disciplined batting unit like New Zealand’s.
Morne Morkel’s Role in Jadeja’s Preparation
Since joining Team India as bowling coach in late 2024, former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has emphasized simplicity, clarity, and execution over complexity . While he’s best known for his pace, his coaching philosophy centers on helping bowlers maximize their natural strengths—a perfect fit for Jadeja.
In interviews, Morkel has stated his goal is to “create an environment where bowlers can express themselves while staying disciplined” . This drill embodies that balance: freedom within structure. It’s not about reinventing Jadeja—it’s about refining what already makes him lethal.
Ravindra Jadeja Training and His ODI Dominance Over New Zealand
The timing of this intense focus on accuracy isn’t random. Jadeja has a remarkable track record against New Zealand in ODIs:
- Matches: 16
- Batting Average: 48.25
- Runs: 386 (including 4 fifties)
- Strike Rate: Nearly 98
- Bowling Economy: Consistently under 5 runs per over
He’s been India’s backbone in several key encounters, including the 2019 World Cup semi-final, where he top-scored with a gritty 77 . Against a team that thrives on building pressure through tight lines, Jadeja’s dual threat—as a run-scorer who disrupts momentum and a bowler who strangles scoring—makes him uniquely valuable.
This Ravindra Jadeja training session suggests the Indian camp is doubling down on that advantage, ensuring he enters the series with pinpoint control from ball one.
Why Precision Matters More Than Ever in Modern ODIs
Gone are the days when spinners could rely solely on turn. In today’s ODI cricket, especially on flat Indian pitches, economy and wicket-taking in the middle overs decide matches. A single loose over can cost 15+ runs—something teams like New Zealand, with their calculated aggression, will ruthlessly exploit.
Jadeja’s ability to bowl six dot balls in an over—or mix in a perfectly disguised arm ball—is what separates him from the pack. Drills like “blue, green, red” aren’t just about hitting spots; they’re about building mental resilience and tactical discipline under fatigue—critical in a back-to-back three-match series starting January 11, 2026 .
Fantasy Cricket and Fan Impact
For fans playing fantasy leagues [INTERNAL_LINK:fantasy-cricket-guide], Jadeja should be a non-negotiable pick. His all-round potential, combined with this focused preparation, makes him a prime candidate for consistent points across batting, bowling, and fielding categories.
Moreover, seeing a senior player like Jadeja invest in such fundamental work sends a powerful message to young cricketers: greatness isn’t just talent—it’s repetition, discipline, and attention to detail.
Conclusion: A Silent Warning to the Black Caps
While the world watches for fireworks from openers or death bowlers, the real X-factor in this series might be a left-arm spinner quietly hitting cones in training. Jadeja’s “blue, green, red” drill is more than a routine—it’s a statement. It says he’s ready, he’s focused, and he knows exactly how to hurt New Zealand. In a short ODI series where margins are razor-thin, that kind of preparation could be the difference between victory and defeat.
Sources
- Times of India – “‘Blue, green, red’: Jadeja undergoes unique training session”
- ESPNcricinfo – Player Profile: Ravindra Jadeja vs New Zealand (ODIs)
- BCCI Official Announcement – Morne Morkel Appointed Bowling Coach (2024)
- ICC Match Schedule – India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026
- International Cricket Council (ICC) – Official Site (for authoritative context on ODI regulations and player standards)