In the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has agreed to play two games for Saurashtra. Officials from the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) have verified the decision, which demonstrates Jadeja’s intention to continue playing at the top level and to be in the lineup for upcoming ICC events, such as the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Several Indian players are expected to compete in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s top domestic 50-over competition, which starts on December 24. Following the BCCI’s order to encourage centrally contracted players to practise in domestic events, Jadeja is now available. The competition is an excellent chance for experienced players to remain match-ready as India’s ODI duties against New Zealand resume in January.
Jadeja is reportedly set to play for Saurashtra in two group-stage games in Alur, Karnataka, on January 6 and January 8. In these matches, Saurashtra will play Gujarat and the Services. Jadeja has made his availability plain, according to a SCA official, but if he is chosen for India’s next ODI series against New Zealand, which starts on January 11, the plan might be reevaluated.
“I wish I could play [ODIs], but I can’t. Ultimately, the coach, captain, and team management have specific opinions. There must be a reason why I wasn’t chosen for this series. I’ll do what I’ve been doing for so long the next time I have the opportunity. And if I can do well in the ODIs beforehand and get the opportunity, I will give Indian cricket my all in the big tournaments, such as the World Cup. Everyone wants to win the 50-over World Cup. “We will strive to go all the way this time,” Jadeja stated during the Test series against the West Indies, “because we missed it by a small margin the past time.
India’s home series against South Africa was the last time Jadeja played.
The 37-year-old was included in India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, but he was unable to travel to Australia since the team’s administration decided to change the team’s composition. He made a comeback for the home ODI series against South Africa, scoring 56 runs in two innings and taking one wicket.
There is now more competition, especially among spin-bowling all-rounders, for spots in India’s ODI lineup. Particularly in conditions that are conducive to pace, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav have emerged as formidable competitors. Jadeja is still in the selectors’ plans, according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Jadeja, meanwhile, has made appearances in 260 List A games, amassing 293 wickets and 3,911 runs.
India
