Former Team India captain Kris Srikkanth has backed experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for a place in the national team for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. Srikkanth raised questions over Jadeja’s absence from the recent ODI squad, saying that the all-rounder has not announced his retirement from the format.
Jadeja could not play in India’s last two ODI series against Afghanistan and England.. He struggled in the three-match home series against New Zealand, taking no wickets and conceding more than six runs per over. The 37-year-old remains one of India’s most experienced and reliable players in ODI cricket.
I am not sure why Ravindra Jadeja was let go – Kris Srikkanth
Speaking on Star Sports, Kris Srikkanth questioned why the selectors dropped Ravindra Jadeja from the ODI setup. He said that the all-rounder has match-winning ability and his experience can still play a vital role in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Srikkanth said, “I am not sure why Ravindra Jadeja was completely let go. He only performed brilliantly in the 2023 World Cup. He is a silent killer.”
“It’s not like he has announced his retirement from ODIs. Still, he doesn’t play ODIs at all and rarely plays in Tests despite putting in match-winning performances whenever he does. I still believe Jadeja should be in the plans.”
Jadeja played an important role in taking India to the 2023 ODI World Cup final. He took 16 wickets in 11 matches and scored 120 runs. The left-arm spinner has scored 232 runs in 202 ODIs at an average of 36.54 and an economy rate of 4.89, including two five-wicket hauls.
India will need three spinners in the team – Kris Srikkanth
Kris Srikkanth said that India should include three spinners in the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He favored Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav as his first choice, while stating that the third spot could go to another spinner depending on form.
“India as a whole will need three spinners in the squad for the World Cup. Two should play in the 11 and one in the reserves. Axar Patel will be one and if he continues to perform well I would pick Kuldeep Yadav. Wrist spinners are always potential match-winners. The third spinner can be decided later,” Srikkanth said (via the above source).
Kuldeep was part of India’s squad for the recent ODI series against England but did not play any match. The left-arm wrist spinner has taken 194 wickets in 111 ODI matches at an average of 27.04 and an economy rate of 5.07.
Washington Sundar’s playing in the team is doubtful – Kris Srikkanth
Discussing India’s spin options, Kris Srikkanth dropped Washington Sundar as the backup spinner in the ODI setup. He praised Sundar’s performance in Test cricket, but said that the all-rounder has not done enough with the ball in the 50-over format.
Srikkanth said, “Washington Sundar is a brilliant Test cricketer. But in ODIs, I don’t even know if he has ever bowled the full 10 overs in a match.” “So his playing in the team is doubtful, especially when there are so many other young spinners.”
Washington has taken 30 wickets in 34 ODI matches at an average of 30.53. His average with the bat is 22.86 and strike rate is 82.56, but he has not yet been able to secure a regular place in India’s ODI team.
