Chennai’s M.A. Chidambaram Stadium roared on April 16, 2025, as Ravindra Jadeja carved his name alongside MS Dhoni’s in the Indian Premier League’s record books. The all-rounder, known for his whip-smart fielding and nervy left-arm spin, became only the second Chennai Super Kings player to notch 100 catches in the IPL, a milestone that underscores his relentless value to the yellow brigade.
Jadeja’s moment came during CSK’s clash against Punjab Kings, when he pouched a sharp chance at point to dismiss Jonny Bairstow. The catch, a low, diving grab, wasn’t just another wicket—it was history. Dhoni, the former CSK skipper and wicketkeeping legend, hit the same mark years earlier, his glovework a masterclass in consistency. For Jadeja to join him, it’s a nod to the Saurashtra man’s cat-like reflexes and ironclad focus across 17 IPL seasons.
The numbers tell a stark story. Jadeja’s 100 catches came in 240 matches, a grind that started back in 2008 with Rajasthan Royals. He’s been a CSK mainstay since 2012, save for a two-year stint with Gujarat Lions. Dhoni’s ton, by contrast, leaned heavily on his keeper’s instincts, snaring chances behind the stumps. Jadeja’s haul is all fielding—sprints, dives, and split-second snatches, often turning games when CSK’s backs are against the wall.
That night, Jadeja chipped in with the ball too, snagging 2 wickets for 32 runs in his four overs, keeping Punjab’s batters on a leash. CSK chased down 162 with seven wickets to spare, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s steady 67 steering them home. But it was Jadeja’s milestone that lit up the post-match buzz. The 36-year-old, never one for grand gestures, flashed a quick grin as the team dugout mobbed him.
This isn’t Jadeja’s first brush with IPL glory. He’s hoisted the trophy four times—once with Rajasthan in 2008 and thrice with CSK in 2011, 2018, and 2023. His all-round game has long been CSK’s Swiss Army knife: 2,795 runs at a strike rate nudging 130, 162 wickets, and now, a century of catches. Only 11 players in IPL history have hit the 100-catch mark, with Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina topping the list at 150-plus. Jadeja’s entry into that elite club cements his case as one of the tournament’s enduring workhorses.
The match itself was vintage CSK—methodical, no-fuss cricket. Punjab’s 161 for 6, built on Shashank Singh’s 48, never felt enough on a Chepauk track that’s been kind to chasers this season. Jadeja’s fielding heroics, paired with his tight bowling, tilted the scales. It’s the kind of performance that doesn’t always scream headlines but wins matches.
Jadeja’s chase for more records isn’t slowing down. With CSK pushing for a playoff spot in IPL 2025, his all-round grit remains their backbone. The 100-catch milestone, though, stands out—a quiet testament to a career spent diving into the dirt for his team.
Facts: Jadeja took his 100th IPL catch on April 16, 2025, against Punjab Kings. He has played 240 IPL matches, scoring 2,795 runs and taking 162 wickets. CSK won by seven wickets, chasing 162. Only 11 IPL players have 100 or more catches.