Jadeja Eyes 2027 ODI World Cup Comeback

India’s key all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja remains determined to achieve his dream of winning a 50-over World Cup, notwithstanding his recent exclusion from the squad for the Australia tour. Speaking after the second day’s play in the second Test against West Indies in Delhi, Jadeja confirmed that he had been informed of the decision by the selectors and the new captain, Shubman Gill, before the squad announcement.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar pointed out that accommodating two left-arm spinners for the Australia series was challenging, a sentiment that Jadeja understood.

Jadeja expressed, “It’s not in my hands. I want to play, but ultimately, the decision rests with the team management, selectors, coach, and captain. They have their reasons. Thankfully, they communicated with me before the announcement. It’s good that there was a discussion beforehand, so I was not caught off guard.”

Having been part of the squad that narrowly missed winning the World Cup against Australia, Jadeja, who will nearly be 39 in the 2027 tournament, remains hopeful of eventually lifting the trophy.

He shared, “Whenever given a chance, I’ll perform as I always do. With many one-day matches ahead, if I perform well, it could benefit Indian cricket if I get selected for the World Cup. Winning the 50-over World Cup is a dream for everyone. We came close last time, and perhaps we can achieve it next time.”

Already showcasing his abilities, Jadeja became the Player of the Match in the first Test and continued to make a significant impact in the ongoing Test, bagging three wickets by the second day’s end. He noted that the pitch hasn’t deteriorated yet.

“The pitch isn’t offering significant turn,” Jadeja explained. “The bounce is low, requiring more shoulder work. Bowling slowly when the bounce is low allows batters to adjust easily, so varying the pace is crucial. The ball isn’t turning sharply, so it’s going to be challenging.”

He emphasized the importance of breaking partnerships on day three, given the opposition’s relatively short batting line-up, highlighting that the ball’s lack of spin makes the task challenging.

Jadeja suggested that India would continue opting for pitches that don’t spin excessively from the outset.

“We’ve requested slow-turning pitches, not ones that turn square from day one. We expected gradual turn, so we’re not surprised. Hard work is essential, requiring consistent bowling throughout the innings. We hope this approach yields positive results,” he stated.

Jadeja also praised centurions Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, especially noting Gill’s form as captain. “He’s been scoring heavily since becoming captain, which is great for Indian cricket. Jaiswal’s intelligence shows in his shot selection. His maturity and ability to choose which bowlers to attack contribute to his consistent success.”

“The younger players take responsibility, which is beneficial for the team’s future. Their capability to play long innings is a promising sign for Indian cricket moving forward,” Jadeja added.