Future Of Star All-Rounder Ravindra Jadeja In India's ODI Squad In Doubt – Reports

Star Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja , who retired from T20Is last month after India ’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, is unlikely to be selected for India’s ODI team in the near future. Reports indicate that the 35-year-old cricketer, who has accumulated 2756 runs and 220 wickets in 197 ODIs for India, is being considered for the ICC Champions Trophy next year. However, selectors are currently focusing on Axar Patel and Washington Sundar for the spin-bowling all-rounder roles, leading to their selection over Jadeja for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

“There are only six ODIs, including the three in Sri Lanka, before next year’s Champions Trophy. The selectors want to utilise the handful of games by giving more opportunities to Axar Patel and Washington Sundar,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

The source clarified that Jadeja’s performance is not in question, but the management is keen on exploring younger talent with future prospects in mind.

“There’s nothing wrong with Jadeja’s performance. The management just wants to look at other options as we have to build a team for the future,” the source added.

Washington Sundar, who recently earned the Player of the Series award in the five-match T20I series between India and Zimbabwe, is considered Jadeja’s long-term replacement in the Indian team. The 24-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder has played 19 ODIs for India since his debut in December 2017, taking 18 wickets and scoring 265 runs.

Despite the focus on younger players for ODIs, the source emphasized that Jadeja remains a crucial part of India’s Test team and will play a significant role in the upcoming World Test Championship matches.

“Jadeja is outstanding in Test cricket. His bowling in home conditions is unmatchable. He will be important for India’s World Test Championship bid,” the source said.

Following the tour of Sri Lanka, India is scheduled to face Bangladesh and New Zealand in two and three Tests, respectively, at home before heading to Australia for a five-match Test series against the Pat Cummins-led side.