Ravindra Jadeja has been one of the best all-rounders in the world for the last decade or so. He has won India many matches on his own, but his performances in the white-ball format have always been pretty average. He has also retired from T20 internationals after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. However, the selection committee has dropped him from the ODIs as well.
On Thursday, the selectors announced the squads for ODIs and T20Is, and Ravindra Jadeja didn’t find a place in ODIs. Rather, India have picked Axar Patel and Washingston Sundar as the spin-bowling all-rounders. It could be an indication that India might be looking beyond the veteran all-rounder. Hence, we will talk about three reasons why India are looking to move on from Ravindra Jadeja in ODIs.
Three Reasons why India should move on from Ravindra Jadeja in 50-over format
1. Growing Age
Born on December 6, 1988, Ravindra Jadeja is currently 35 years and 225 days old. And he will be 36 years old by the coming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and by the time the ODI World Cup 2027 comes, Jadeja will be 38 years old, and there are hardly any players who perform well in their late 30s. Hence, India should give proper game time to Axar Patel and Washington Sundar because they bring the same skillset as Ravindra Jadeja and are still young.
2. Average white-ball performances
Ravindra Jadeja is irreplaceable in the longest format. He is India’s first-choice spinner in a Test match at home or away. He has been India’s go-to player in Test cricket, but when it comes to white-ball cricket, his performances have declined in recent years. Especially his contribution with the bat. Jadeja’s number with the bat has been very poor, and he is not able to contribute as a genuine all-rounder.
3. Axar and Sundar doing well
India already have a like-to-like replacement for Ravindra Jadeja in Axar Patel, which we saw in the T20 World Cup 2024. Axar outperformed Jadeja with a bat and a ball. He has been in good form for India, and his batting contributions are pretty good as well. Then, Washington Sundar is another guy who is just 24 years old and can be a potential future prospect. So with the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ODI World Cup 2027 coming up, India should give these guys time to settle down.
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