“It’s not like he’s announced his retirement in ODIs”

Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth called on the team management to consider veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The 37-year-old has not been part of the Indian squad for their last two ODI series against Afghanistan and England.

Jadeja endured a woeful three-match home ODI series against New Zealand, going wicketless in all three games with an economy of over six. However, the ace all-rounder has been one of India’s central figures over the last decade in the 50-over format, making his sudden exclusion surprising.

Talking about the importance of Jadeja for the upcoming ODI World Cup next year, Srikkanth said on Star Sports (13:28):

“I am not sure why Ravindra Jadeja has been totally let go. He only did brilliantly in the 2023 World Cup. He is a silent killer. It’s not like he has announced retirement in ODIs. Yet, he doesn’t play ODIs at all and rarely plays in Tests despite producing match-winning performances when he does. I still believe Jadeja should be in the scheme of things and in the squad if he performs well.”

Jadeja played a crucial role as India’s primary spin-bowling all-rounder in their final run in the 2023 ODI World Cup, picking up 16 wickets and scoring 120 runs in 11 matches.

“Totally India will need three spinners in the squad for the World Cup” – Kris Srikkanth

Kris Srikkanth believes Team India must include three spin-bowling options in their squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. While calling Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav certainties, the former captain believes the upcoming months will be the key to identifying a third spinner for the mega event.

“Totally India will need three spinners in the squad for the World Cup. Two should play in the 11 and one in the reserves. Axar Patel will be one and I’ll pick Kuldeep Yadav if he continues to do well. Wrist spinners are always potential match-winners. The third spinner can be decided at a later stage,” said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).

Yet, Srikkanth dismissed all-rounder Washington Sundar as one of the spin-bowling options in the World Cup squad, saying:

“Washington Sundar is a brilliant Test cricketer. But in ODIs, I am not even sure if he has ever bowled his full 10 overs in a match. So he’s doubtful for the squad, especially when there are so many other young spinners that are there.”

Sundar boasts only a mediocre ODI record with 30 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 30.53 and a batting average of under 23 with a strike rate of 82.56.