Surprised by Jadeja’s inclusion in India’s CT squad: S Badrinath
The Indian cricket team’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy 2025 was announced recently, and one of the biggest surprises was the inclusion of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The 33-year-old left-hander has been a regular member of the Indian team in recent years, but his selection for the upcoming tournaments has left many cricket experts and fans scratching their heads.
Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath is one of those who are surprised by Jadeja’s inclusion in the squad. In an interview, Badrinath expressed his surprise at Jadeja’s selection, saying, “I did not expect him to be in the squad because there is very little space for him in the XI.” He added, “I don’t understand why you would pick a player like Jadeja. He is not a batsman, he is not a bowler, he is not a fielder. He is a bit of everything, but nowhere is he outstanding.”
Badrinath’s comments have sparked a debate in the cricketing fraternity, with many experts and fans weighing in on the issue. Some have argued that Jadeja’s all-round skills make him a valuable asset to the team, while others have questioned his ability to make an impact in a relatively short format like ODIs.
Jadeja has been a consistent performer for India in ODIs, with 220 wickets in 197 matches at an average of 33.86 and an economy rate of 4.71. He has also been a reliable lower-order batsman, with a highest score of 66. However, his recent form has been a cause for concern, with just 132 runs in his last 10 innings at an average of 13.20.
Despite his struggles with the bat, Jadeja’s bowling figures have been impressive in recent times. He has taken 14 wickets in his last 10 matches at an average of 24.07 and an economy rate of 4.54. However, his ability to make an impact with the ball in hand has been a major factor in his selection for the Indian team.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has also weighed in on the issue, saying, “Jadeja is a great player, but you have to look at the team’s dynamics. If you have someone like Hardik Pandya, who can bowl and bat, then you don’t need Jadeja. But if you don’t have someone like Pandya, then Jadeja is a great option.”
Ganguly’s comments highlight the fact that Jadeja’s selection is not just about his individual abilities, but also about the team’s requirements. India’s squad for the upcoming tournaments is heavily reliant on spin bowling, with Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Kuldeep Yadav all included in the squad. This has led some to question whether Jadeja’s selection is a sign that the team is prioritizing spin bowling over other aspects of the game.
In conclusion, Jadeja’s inclusion in India’s squad for the ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked a debate in the cricketing fraternity. While some have praised his all-round skills, others have questioned his ability to make an impact in a relatively short format like ODIs. As the team prepares for the upcoming tournaments, it will be interesting to see how Jadeja performs and whether he can justify his selection.
