ICC World Cup 2019: Ravindra Jadeja Will Strengthen India's Batting, Says Mohammad Azharuddin

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is yet to feature in India’s playing XI in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. He is among the two players alongside Mayank Agarwal who has not a game yet in the tournament. As India gear up for their last league game of the tournament against Sri Lanka, former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin has backed Jadeja to play the match.

Azharuddin backs Jadeja to be in the first XI

Meanwhile, the Men in Blues booked their semifinal berth with a 28-run win over Bangladesh at Edgbaston. However, there will be no room for being overconfident as India will look to keep the winning run going before the start of the knockout stages. Virat Kohli & Co have the license to experiment with their playing XI which allows Ravindra Jadeja to come in the first team. Jadeja has so far come in the ground as a substitute fielder and has grabbed some splendid catches. He will look to get some game time and showcase his skills with bat and ball.

Also read: Aakash Chopra Brutally Mocks Sarfaraz Ahmed After He Says His Team Would Score 500

Mohammad Azharuddin feels Ravindra Jadeja will be a useful addition to the first team. He also added that Jadeja will be a handy customer with the ball in these English conditions with the ball gripping before coming to the bat. Meanwhile, Jadeja has been a regular player since his ouster from the limited-overs set-up after Champions Trophy in 2017. But he has made his presence left after making a come back in 2018.

“Maybe try Jadeja, he is a utility player,” Azhar told AFP. “In the last game (against Bangladesh) I thought maybe Jadeja could have played because you had a very thin batting line-up. Jadeja on these (English) wickets with the ball holding up and not coming on to the bat will be a force to reckon with. He is also a good fielder and a lusty batsman. They should try him against Sri Lanka,” Azharuddin added.

India will look to beat Sri Lanka and pocket those crucial two points to give themselves a chance of finishing at the top of the points table currently held by defending champions Australia.

Also read: Pakistan Should Be In The Semifinals Ahead Of New Zealand: Michael Holding