It’s not every day you see one of the world’s best all-rounders going back to the absolute basics. But that’s exactly what Ravindra Jadeja was doing in a now-viral training clip just days before the crucial ODI series against New Zealand. Forget brute pace or extravagant spin; this session was all about surgical precision, guided by India’s new bowling coach, Morne Morkel. And the drill? It had a simple, almost childlike name: “Blue, green, red.”
This isn’t just another gym session. This is a master craftsman sharpening his tools for a very specific battle. With the first ODI kicking off today in Vadodara , every detail matters. So, what’s behind this unique drill, and why is it so perfectly timed?
Table of Contents
- The ‘Blue, Green, Red’ Drill Decoded
- Morne Morkel’s New Influence on Team India
- Jadeja’s Formidable ODI Record Against the Black Caps
- Why This Training is a Game-Changer for the 2026 Series
- Conclusion: Jadeja’s Edge
- Sources
The ‘Blue, Green, Red’ Drill Decoded
The video shows Jadeja, in his signature intensity, focusing on hitting coloured cones placed at various lengths and lines on a pitch mat. Blue might represent a yorker on off-stump, green a hard length on middle, and red a wide line outside off. The goal? To eliminate any margin for error.
This type of target practice is a staple in elite coaching, but its public display is rare. It signals a team that’s leaving nothing to chance. For a player like Jadeja, whose bowling is built on subtle variations in flight, turn, and bounce rather than mystery spin, pinpoint accuracy is his superpower. This Ravindra Jadeja training method hones that superpower to a razor’s edge.
Morne Morkel’s New Influence on Team India
Overseeing this session is none other than Morne Morkel, the former South African speedster who officially joined Team India as their bowling coach in late 2024 . Morkel’s philosophy seems clear: protect and enhance the existing talent. He’s stated his role is to “act as a sounding board and help upskill players” .
His background is fascinating—he’s worked with both Pakistan and now India, giving him a unique perspective on subcontinental cricket. His partnership with a cerebral bowler like Jadeja is particularly intriguing. While Morkel was known for his raw pace, his coaching appears to focus on the mental side of bowling: planning, execution, and relentless consistency. This drill is a perfect manifestation of that approach.
Jadeja’s Formidable ODI Record Against the Black Caps
The timing of this intense focus on precision is no coincidence. Jadeja has a history of dominating New Zealand in the 50-over format. His numbers speak volumes:
- Matches: 16 ODIs
- Runs: 386 at an outstanding average of 48.25
- Batting Strike Rate: A healthy 97.7
- Fifties: 4 from just 13 innings
He’s not just a handy lower-order batsman; he’s a genuine match-winner against them. Remember his crucial, unbeaten 77 in the 2014 Hamilton ODI? Or his role as India’s top scorer in the heartbreaking 2019 World Cup semi-final loss ? The Kiwis know his threat all too well.
On the bowling front, while his wicket tally is solid, his true value lies in his economy and ability to stifle the flow of runs during the middle overs—a skill that will be tested against New Zealand’s steady top order.
Why This Training is a Game-Changer for the 2026 Series
The three-match ODI series is a short, sharp contest, starting today, January 11th, in Vadodara, followed by games in Rajkot and Indore . In such a compact series, one player having an exceptional game can swing the entire outcome.
Here’s where Jadeja’s unique preparation becomes critical:
- Exploiting Familiar Weaknesses: If Morkel and the Indian think-tank have identified specific areas where New Zealand batsmen struggle, this drill allows Jadeja to rehearse those exact deliveries until they’re automatic.
- Building Unshakeable Confidence: Walking into a high-pressure game knowing you’ve mastered your craft in training provides a massive psychological boost. This Ravindra Jadeja training isn’t just physical; it’s mental armor.
- Setting the Tone for the Team: When a senior player like Jadeja is seen working on the fundamentals with such dedication, it sends a powerful message to the entire squad about the standards required to win.
For fans playing fantasy cricket [INTERNAL_LINK:fantasy-cricket-tips], this is a strong signal that Jadeja should be a cornerstone of your team for the series. His all-round potential, amplified by this focused prep, makes him a prime candidate for Player of the Series.
Conclusion: Jadeja’s Edge
In a sport increasingly dominated by data and analytics, sometimes the simplest methods are the most effective. Jadeja’s “blue, green, red” drill is a brilliant reminder that at its core, cricket is about hitting your mark. With the guidance of a world-class coach in Morne Morkel and a proven track record against the opposition, Jadeja isn’t just preparing for the series—he’s preparing to own it. Keep a close eye on his performance in the middle; it could be the decisive factor in India’s quest for a series win.
Sources
- ESPNcricinfo – Ravindra Jadeja ODI Stats vs New Zealand [[1], [4]]
- Times of India – Jadeja’s Unique Training Session
- BCCI Announcement – Morne Morkel as Bowling Coach
- Cricbuzz – Morkel’s Coaching Philosophy
- Inside Sport – India vs New Zealand 2026 Schedule [[20], [23]]