Ravindra Jadeja’s ODI World Cup hopes remain alive, with India continuing to assess the veteran all-rounder alongside Axar Patel as they finalise their spin-bowling options for the 2027 World Cup. India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule stressed that Jadeja’s batting utility and experience could still make him an important part of the team’s plans.
The 37-year-old returned to India’s ODI XI in the series opener against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, having missed the previous ODI assignments against Afghanistan and England. However, his comeback with the ball was not particularly productive as he completed his 10-over quota for 54 runs without taking a wicket. He did not get an opportunity to bat as India chased down 296 in just 41.4 overs.
“With Axar also being around, the tournaments or series which we play in the coming time, we will be able to assess performances or who can be of utility,” Bahutule said on the eve of the second ODI against West Indies.
“But, Jaddu with his batting skills, (and) the experience he gets in, is definitely doing well and I am sure he will be looked into in the coming time.”
“For me, he has always been a utility player. He is somebody who can contribute with the bat as well as with the ball. He has definitely improved as a bowler over the last six months.”
JADEJA’S EXPERIENCE REMAINS A KEY FACTOR
Jadeja’s place in India’s ODI plans has come under scrutiny with Axar, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar also providing spin-bowling options. Axar and Washington are currently away on Asian Games duty, giving Jadeja another opportunity to stake his claim.
His first ODI against West Indies, though, offered limited evidence with the ball. While Jadeja went wicketless, Kuldeep was the standout performer, returning figures of 10-1-40-4 from 10 overs as India restricted West Indies to 295 for seven. Shubman Gill then hit 110 while Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 as India completed an eight-wicket victory.
Bahutule, however, pointed to Jadeja’s recent Test performances in Sri Lanka as evidence of his continuing value. The all-rounder claimed eight wickets in the two-Test series before returning to the ODI side against West Indies.
“I thought (in) the Test matches he bowled really well in Sri Lanka, as well as now with the ODIs. It is just the first game after a long period, but he has done well.”
Jadeja’s batting remains an important part of the equation, particularly given his ability to provide balance lower down the order while contributing with the ball and in the field.
India will use their upcoming assignments to compare their options and assess which combination best suits the conditions they are likely to encounter at the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
For now, Bahutule’s comments make it clear that Jadeja remains part of the conversation, with his all-round utility and experience set to be weighed alongside his performances in the matches leading up to the tournament.
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