Veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has failed to be at his best since his return to the Indian ODI team; However, his former teammate and current coach feels that he is still fit and will make a good comeback in the Rajkot match as Jadeja returns to his home ground after a long time.
India have been in great form in the home ODIs after their loss to Australia in the three-match series, which kicked off their preparations for the ICC World Cup 2027. They defeated the Proteas by a 2-1 margin and are now in the lead against New Zealand after the series opener.
The ODI series saw the return of veteran Indian spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja was last seen playing ODIs for India in the Champions Trophy, but he skipped the Australia tour and then returned for the series against South Africa at home.
Ravindra Jadeja returns to Rajkot in search of ODI form
After a long time, India is playing at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, which has been the designated home stadium for all Saurashtra players. Ravindra Jadeja, who has played for Saurashtra throughout his domestic career, has played at this position a lot.
However, on this occasion his return is not only a return to his home ground, but also a homecoming with the hope of returning to form. Jadeja, who has been India’s best player in the red ball format, has struggled in the white ball format, especially with the ball.
Ravindra Jadeja has been replaced by all-rounder Akshar Patel in the ODI team and in this innings too, he has been promoted in the Indian batting order. Jadeja, who has scored runs at an average of 213 and an economy of 6.26 in the last four matches played in the 50-over format for India, knows that he has not performed up to his potential.
A veteran of 232 ODI wickets, Jadeja knows very well how to make a comeback. It’s no surprise that he saw several brief stints with the willow as well as the ball on Tuesday.
“Ravindra is fit and performing well,” Sitanshu Kotka said on the veteran all-rounder’s retirement.
Talking about the comeback of the experienced cricketer, Indian batting coach and former teammate of Ravindra Jadeja from the Saurashtra state team, Sitanshu Kotak has supported the left-hander and praised his commendable fitness.
“Ravindra has already played here, so it is very good for him to be in Rajkot,” Kotak said. “Obviously there is a lot of support for him. I don’t think I should talk about anyone’s future. I would still tell you that Ravindra is fit, he is performing and as long as he is performing and enjoying the game, any player would want to play and do well for India and the team.”
Ravindra Jadeja’s recent form in international ODI matches
Ravindra Jadeja, who has featured in every game for India since his return to international ODI cricket, produced an important performance with the bat against South Africa. In the 3 matches, he came to bat twice and managed to score 32 and 24*, but could take just one wicket in the series.
After this, in the match against New Zealand in Vadodara, Jadeja was out with an economy of more than 6. This time he struggled to contribute with the bat and was out after scoring just 4 runs.
In between these matches, he played two Vijay Hazare Trophy games, where he scored a half-century for Saurashtra and remained unbeaten on 36* and 52*. He also took 4 wickets in those two matches and is expected to return with similar figures in Rajkot too.
Also read: Ravindra Jadeja plays only for himself! Former teammate makes bold ‘team politics’ claim
