Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of India, has expressed his strong belief that senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be a major player in the 2027 ODI World Cup. In Shastri’s future plans, Jadeja, who was just left out of India’s squad for the current three-match ODI series against Australia, is still an essential asset.
Even though he was left out, Jadeja has been playing quite well, especially in red-ball cricket. In Test series against England and the West Indies, he produced consecutive outstanding performances, establishing his worth as a batsman and ball winner.
Jadeja was left out of the white-ball setup for the Australia trip, as selectors chose to go with fellow spin-bowling all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. However, Shastri emphasized that Jadeja is essential to India’s long-term aspirations because of his expertise and ability to remain composed under duress.
“Everyone speaks about 2027. Never ignore or disregard Ravindra Jadeja. There is no doubt that he will be included. Even at this age, he continues to field as though he were seven or eight years younger. Just being able to see him pursue a ball on the field is an honor. In Australia, there are just three matches and Axar, so I can see (why he wasn’t chosen), but in South Africa, where you have to play against other teams in different places, both of them might play,” Ravi Shastri stated on the ICC Review.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting commended Jadeja for his remarkable versatility and level of fitness, pointing out that the all-rounder is still improving as he ages.
I believe I should take some of the medication he takes because he doesn’t appear to be getting older. He’s Benjamin Button in the present day. When he first started, I’m aware that he picked me off a few times. Once again, Warney was right when he alerted us about him right away. He is in the very top tier, but it is difficult to declare that he is the greatest fielder of all time,” Ponting remarked.
In the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings, Jadeja is now ranked a career-high 25th thanks to his outstanding achievements in the most recent home Test series against the West Indies. Since 2022, Jadeja, who is renowned for his versatility, has occupied the top rank in the ICC Test All-Rounder Rankings.
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