Ravindra Jadeja has been part of India’s 15-man squad for World Cup 2019 but the Saurashtra star player is yet to get a game in England. Jadeja has often been used as a substitute fielder, yet, gave his best. Meanwhile, the former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin suggests India try Jadeja for the game against Sri Lanka before heading into Semifinals.
Jadeja has been a mainstay in the Indian Test side but the left-arm finger spinner was dropped after Champions Trophy 2017. Jadeja made a comeback to the ODI set up in 2018 and ever since has complemented the two wrist-spinners in the squad.
With India having sealed a semi-final spot already, their final group-stage match against Sri Lanka on Saturday gives the team management the license to experiment. Azharuddin has backed Ravindra Jadeja to play against Sri Lanka and from there onwards in World Cup 2019.
Ravindra Jadeja is a utility player – Mohammad Azharuddin
Recently, India’s assistant coach Sanjay Bangar believes that using Jadeja can definitely be an option. But he is quick to add that Kuldeep and Chahal failing against the English batsmen was more of a one-off situation.
Former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin wants to see all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja included in India’s semi-final line-up to add muscle to the team’s faltering middle-order batting.
“Maybe try Jadeja, he is a utility player,” Azhar, who is the only Indian captain to lead the team in three World Cups (1992, 1996, 1999) told AFP. In the last game (against Bangladesh) I thought maybe Jadeja could have played because you had a very thin batting line-up.
“Jadeja on these (English) wickets with the ball holding up and not coming on to the bat will be a force to reckon with. He is also a good fielder and a lusty batsman. They should try him against Sri Lanka.”
India takes on Sri Lanka in Leeds on Saturday in their final group-stage match. India will be hoping to collect 2 points and keep their chances of topping the table alive. Australia, with 14 points from 8 matches, are a point ahead of 2nd-placed India on the 10-team table.