India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar has confirmed that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been rested and not dropped from India’s ODI team for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka. Following the announcement of India’s squad for the series, reports were suggesting that the 35-year-old had been dropped. Agarkar, however, reassured fans that Jadeja is simply being given a break ahead of a long Test season and continues to be India’s primary spin-bowling all-rounder.
“It would have been really pointless to take both Axar and Jaddu for a three-match series,” Agarkar explained. “He has had a terrific World Cup. Not at all dropped. Either of them wouldn’t have featured in games had we taken him. There’s a big test season coming up. I think probably we should have clarified it when the squad was announced. He is still part of the format. He is a very important player for us.”
Jadeja’s ODI record is impressive, with 2756 runs at an average of 32.42 and a strike rate of 85.06, in addition to 220 wickets at an average of 36.07 and an economy rate of 4.88. Despite his contributions, the team management is looking to explore other options to build a squad for the future. Axar Patel has emerged as the first-choice spin all-rounder, with Washington Sundar being considered the second-choice for the role. Jadeja’s position in the Test team remains unaffected, underscoring his importance in home conditions for India’s World Test Championship bid.
Team India is set to begin their tour of Sri Lanka, starting with the first T20I on July 27 in Pallekele, followed by three ODIs in Colombo beginning on August 2. The decisions made by the new management reflect a strategic shift towards grooming future talents ahead of the Champions Trophy.
