Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared a blunt assessment of Ravindra Jadeja after his disappointing performance in the ODI series against New Zealand. Ashwin said that while questions are being raised about Jadeja’s batting effectiveness, especially against spin, Axar Patel is waiting for his chance in ODI cricket.
The 37-year-old failed to make an impact with either bat or ball during the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. He did not take a single wicket as New Zealand’s middle order scored freely against him. Jadeja scored only 43 runs in three innings, with his highest score being 27, raising questions over his ODI future.
It is a very challenging time for Ravindra Jadeja – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said that the competition for a place in the Indian team is getting tougher. While batting, Ravindra Jadeja looked uncomfortable against spin as he struggled to rotate the strike or hit boundaries, leading to calls for Axar Patel’s inclusion.
Ashwin also said that Jadeja is going through a challenging phase and he needs to regain his rhythm, especially with the bat. He said that it is too early to assess Jadeja’s future.
“Look, it is a very challenging time for Jadeja. We all know Axar Patel is back on his heels. The fact is that Jadeja has done well in ODIs; he is also playing the Test format,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel ‘Aish Ki Baat’.
“But it is not easy for Jadeja because it is more about his batting. Things are coming out about his low strike rate against spinners. It is too early for anyone’s cricket or future,” he said.
“After this we have the T20 World Cup and the IPL. Remember Jadeja will play the IPL. A decision will be taken based on his performance there. It is too early to take a call on anything,” he said.
Ravindra Jadeja’s strength sometimes becomes his weakness – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said that Ravindra Jadeja has immense talent but he is reluctant to try new variations with the ball. Ashwin said that Ravindra Jadeja’s biggest strength is his consistency and he should feel free to experiment more like throwing the carrom ball in matches.
Ashwin said, “Jadeja’s strength sometimes becomes his weakness. I sometimes envy him. The kind of ability he has in batting, bowling and fielding. But one thing he doesn’t do? He never goes beyond his strengths. He has never messed with new things.”
He said, “He is a true legend. He has nothing to lose, so I would like to see him experiment. I have seen him throw the carrom ball in net practice, but he has never done it in a match. Would love to see him get a little funky.”
India should not have lost this series – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin said India struggled to respond under pressure during the ODI series loss to New Zealand. India, led by Shubman Gill, won the first match but lost the next two, losing 2–1.
Ashwin said the visiting teams are now better prepared, bowling and playing spin more effectively. He said Virat Kohli was the only bright spot, scoring 240 runs including a century and a half-century.
Ashwin said, “It was a tough series; India were soft. Very surprising. India should not have lost this series, but they did because I think we were a little soft. At the moment, this team is not able to respond.”
“Teams are coming with better preparation to face this Indian team. They are bowling better spin and playing spin better,” he said.
Also read: Ravindra Jadeja out, Rohit Sharma’s fate decided: 5 names in danger of being dropped for India vs England ODI series
