Ravindra Jadeja not to play 3rd Test vs England? Aakash Chopra warns Indian team management
Updated - 11 Feb 2024, 06:02 PM
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Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra advised the team management not to rush star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja back into action. Aakash Chopra said that India might consider deploying four spinners alongside Jasprit Bumrah if Ravindra Jadeja returns to the squad.
Ravindra Jadeja missed the second Test of the five-match series against England due to a hamstring injury. The all-rounder sustained the hamstring injury during the series opener and pulled his hamstring while running during the second innings in Hyderabad.
The 35-year-old has returned to the squad for the third Test match against England. However, the left-arm spinner’s participation in the upcoming match is subject to fitness clearance from the medical team, as confirmed by the Board of Cricket Control in India.
Ravindra Jadeja Is Indispensable In This Team – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra emphasized Ravindra Jadeja’s significance to the team. Chopra mentioned that Jadeja’s return requires careful consideration to avoid risking his performance, describing him as indispensable to this team.
“Ravindra Jadeja is indispensable in this team, there is no doubt about that. However, because he is indispensable, you don’t want to rush him back too quickly as he will have to bowl a lot,” said Chopra.
Ravindra Jadeja showcased his all-round brilliance in the first Test match, where India suffered a 28-run loss. The spin-bowling all-rounder secured five wickets across the two innings The left-handed batter contributed a remarkable 87-run knock in India’s first innings.
Ravindra Jadeja Will Also Have To Bat And Field – Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Ravindra Jadeja’s return potentially reshaped India’s strategy for the upcoming match. Chopra suggested that India could opt for a lineup featuring four spinners, highlighting Rajkot’s spin-friendly conditions
“He will also have to bat and field. He is a three-dimensional player. So for him, I would say move ahead with caution. If he comes, India might start thinking about playing four spinners with Bumrah,” Chopra added.
In his 41 home Tests, the all-rounder amassed 1681 runs at an impressive average of 40.02, comprising two centuries and 12 half-centuries. He claimed 199 wickets on home turf, boasting an average of 21.05 and achieving an impressive tally of 10 five-wicket hauls.
The Indian side secured a 106-run victory in the second Test in Visakhapatnam, leveling the five-match series 1-1. England aims to become the first team in over a decade to secure a Test series victory in India, while the Men in Blue hope to continue their dominance at home.
The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot will host the third match of the series, commencing on February 15, followed by matches in Ranchi on February 23 and Dharamsala on March 7.
India’s squad for the last three Tests vs England: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), KS Bharat (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.
Also read: SCA to felicitate Ravindra Jadeja, Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of IND vs ENG 3rd Test – Reports
