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Ravindra Jadeja has returned to India’s ODI squad after missing the team’s recent assignments, but Ajinkya Rahane believes his place in the side for the 2027 ODI World Cup is not yet certain. The veteran all-rounder is set to feature in the three-match series against West Indies, giving him an opportunity to strengthen his case for the World Cup.
Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged Ravindra Jadeja’s experience and his ability to adapt to different conditions but pointed out that India’s eventual combination will play a major role in determining his World Cup prospects.
After Rohit and Virat, Jadeja is also an experienced player - Ajinkya Rahane
Ravindra Jadeja has been a key part of India’s white-ball setup for several years, and Ajinkya Rahane believes his experience makes him an important player to consider. However, he stopped short of guaranteeing the all-rounder a place in India’s World Cup plans.
"After Rohit and Virat, Jadeja is also an experienced player. He is coming back after a long time. I don't think it will be difficult for him to adapt, as he has played cricket everywhere and in all conditions and has done well.
"We have to see what combination the team goes with. He will play in India for sure as a spinning all-rounder. But I am not too sure about the World Cup. There is still time. It depends on how many fast bowlers and fast-bowling all-rounders they go with. But for now, I feel he will play in Indian conditions," Rahane said in a video on his Hindi YouTube channel.
If he plays here and does well, then he can present his case for the World Cup - Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane believes the West Indies series could be particularly important for Jadeja. Rather than treating his selection as confirmation of his World Cup place, he sees the upcoming matches as an opportunity for the all-rounder to put forward a strong case.
"It is a good opportunity for him. If he plays here and does well, then he can present his case for the World Cup. I am sure the Indian team would be thinking about him for the World Cup, which is why he is back. He needs to contribute here, be it with the bat or ball," Ajinkya Rahane said.
Jadeja's most recent ODI appearance came against New Zealand in January 2026. He played all three matches of that series, scoring 43 runs across three innings and failing to take a wicket.
Ravindra Jadeja's stats in South Africa and recent ODI numbers
Jadeja has 2,905 runs and 232 wickets from 210 ODIs in his career, with his bowling average standing at 36.54. He has also taken two five-wicket hauls in the format.
In 2025, Jadeja played 10 ODIs and scored 106 runs in seven innings while picking 12 wickets. He also featured in three ODIs in 2026, scoring 43 runs. With the ball, however, he went wicketless across the three matches, conceding 141 runs in 23 overs.
His ODI record in South Africa also provides context ahead of the 2027 World Cup, which will be played primarily in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. In three matches, he has bagged one wicket and scored just 55 runs.
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