Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has argued that Ravindra Jadeja should stay in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup, even though the all-rounder has been left out of recent squads. Jadeja, 37, missed India’s last two ODI series, against Afghanistan and England. His latest ODI appearances came at home against New Zealand, where he went wicketless in three games and conceded at more than six an over.
Why Srikkanth still backs Jadeja
Speaking on Star Sports, Srikkanth said he was unsure why Jadeja had been dropped so completely. He pointed out that Jadeja has not retired from ODIs, called him a quiet match-winner and said he should be in the squad if he performs.
Jadeja was among India’s best players at the 2023 ODI World Cup, helping the team reach the final. The left-arm spinner took 16 wickets and scored 120 runs in 11 matches.
A three-spinner blueprint
Srikkanth said India should take three specialist spinners to the World Cup: two in the XI and one in reserve. He expects Axar Patel to be one and would choose Kuldeep Yadav if his form continues, noting that wrist-spinners tend to win games. The third spot, he suggested, can be settled nearer the event.
He was less sure about Washington Sundar as a frontline ODI spinner. Srikkanth called him an excellent Test cricketer but doubted he regularly bowls his full 10 overs in ODIs, adding that with so many talented young spinners around, his World Cup place is far from certain.
Where India stand
India’s next phase of ODI planning follows a 2-1 series defeat to England, in which they had won the first match. Talk about the squad for 2027 is already building.
