Ravindra Jadeja’s 2027 World Cup dream revived! India, Australia legends pressure Ajit Agarkar to pick him
Table of Contents
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri has thrown his weight behind Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, showing faith in the all-rounder's abilities and placing him as a crucial part of the Indian team for the 2027 ICC World Cup.
India are currently on their tour to Australia, and they are packed with all-rounders despite the unavailability of Hardik Pandya. Despite this, the Gautam Gambhir-coached side did not name veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in the 16-member squad, which raised the eyebrows of many.
Ravindra Jadeja is one of India's greatest modern-day all-rounders across any format of the game. He had announced his retirement from T20Is alongside Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, the snub has raised doubts over his availability till the next World Cup in 2027.
Ravi Shastri has backed Ravindra Jadeja's return for the South Africa World Cup
Ravindra Jadeja was left out of the India squad, and instead, the selectors cited younger all-rounders like Axar Patel and Washington Sundar in the team. Form cannot be an excuse in Jadeja's case, as he has almost rediscovered his prime at 36.
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri feels Jadeja, despite the snub, remains a crucial player for India in the race for the 2027 World Cup. He has put his weight behind him as an all-rounder, praising his fitness and brilliance in all three roles in the field.
"2027 everyone talks. Do not discount or write off Ravindra Jadeja. He will be in the mix, there is no question about that. He's still fielding like he is 7-8 years younger than what he is. It is just a privilege to watch him chase a ball on the field."
"I can understand (why he was not selected) in Australia because there is Axar, and there are only 3 matches, but come South Africa, where you have to play in different venues against different teams, both of them might play," Ravi Shastri said on the ICC Review.
"Warney always told us about him from the start," Ricky Ponting revealed Shane Warne's admiration for Jadeja
Other than Shastri, even Australian legend Ricky Ponting has expressed his admiration for the Indian star and his unmatched athleticism. He praised his ageless energy, drawing comparisons with Benjamin Button, the iconic fictional character who aged in reverse, that is, turned younger with increasing years.
"I think I need to get some of what he is taking, because he does not seem to be ageing at all. He's the modern-day Benjamin Button. I know he picked me off a couple of times when he first started," Ponting said.
"Warney always told us about him from the start, and once again, he was not wrong. It is hard to say that he is the best fielder of all time, but you put him right there in the absolute upper echelon," Ponting shared Shane Warne's prediction of Ravindra Jadeja.
Ravindra Jadeja is slowly gaining all-time legend status in Test cricket
Ever since his retirement from T20Is and his focus being kept totally on Test cricket with India's limited involvement in ODI bilaterals, Jadeja has emerged as India's finest all-rounder, evolving into a fine middle-order batter.
He has had limited opportunities in the past, but recently has dominated the red-ball format. His good form peaked in England, where he averaged over 90 and scored 500+ runs in the series. He continued his form against the West Indies, and the same is expected in the South Africa home series as well.
Jadeja's effectiveness could never be questioned for once, as he recently surpassed Harbhajan Singh to emerge as India's third-highest wicket-taker on home soil. Jadeja was also in India's victorious squads in the two Champions Trophies and the T20 World Cup.
ALSO READ: Sarfaraz Khan told to retire after India A snub for South Africa series
Tagged:
Ravindra Jadeja India vs Australia India tour of Australia Ravi Shastri ICC World Cup ICC Cricket World Cup Ricky Ponting Australia National Cricket Team India National Cricket Team
