Ravindra Jadeja (2008-2017): The evolution in pictures

Jadeja was the leading wicket-taker in the 2013 Champions Trophy

The tables had turned, but his best was yet to come. The 2013 Champions Trophy was the reward for India's fearless approach in limited-overs cricket, and Jadeja was the undisputed pillar of their all-round prowess. He made the tournament his own, and ended up with the most wickets in the series (2012).

By mid-2013, Jadeja had emerged as the best bowler in ODIs

In August 2013, Jadeja became the No. 1 ODI bowler in the world, usurping mystery spinner Sunil Narine to the top-spot, and was the first Indian since Anil Kumble in 1996 to have risen to the top spot in the bowlers' rankings. The circle was complete.

Jajdea carved a niche of his own with his remarkable fielding

Towards the end of 2013, his performances in South Africa were noteworthy and re-affirmed the faith of the selectors in keeping him as a permanent Test option. His six-for at Durban was the first five-wicket haul by an Indian spinner away from home since 2011, and showed how vital his accurate left-arm spin was.

Jadeja and his now famous sword celebration

There was a slump in form in 2014, but his batting continued to get better with every passing match, best highlighted by his whirlwind knock against England at Lord's, that was accompanied by a never-seen-before twirl of the bat in true Rajputana style. Jadeja belonged to the biggest stage and he knew it: heavy dollops of confidence had buried the doubters.