Veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has failed to perform at his best ever since his return to the Indian ODI setup; however, his former teammate, turned current coach, feels that he is still fit and will bounce back well in the Rajkot game, as Jadeja returns to his home ground after a long time.
India have been in commanding form in the home ODIs after their loss to Australia in the three-match series, which marked the start of 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 marked the return of veteran Indian spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja was last seen playing an ODI for India in the Champions Trophy, but skipped the Australia tour and then returned in the series against South Africa at home.
Ravindra Jadeja returns to Rajkot in quest of ODI form
After a long time, India are playing in the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, which has been the designated home stadium for all players for Saurashtra. Ravindra Jadeja, who played for Saurashtra throughout his domestic career, has played a lot at this venue.
However, his return on this occasion is not only a return to his home ground but also a homecoming with the hope of a revival of form. Jadeja, who has been India’s finest in the red-ball format, has struggled in the white-ball format, especially with the ball.
Ravindra Jadeja replaced all-rounder Axar Patel in the ODI squad and has been promoted in the Indian batting order in this inning as well. Jadeja, who gave away runs at an average of 213 and an economy if 6.26 in the last four games he played in the 50-over format for India, knows that he has not performed to his potential.
A veteran of 232 ODI wickets, Jadeja is well aware of how to make comebacks. No wonder that he had several brief stints with the willow as well as with the ball on Tuesday.
“Ravindra is fit and performing,” Sitanshu Kotka said on the veteran all-rounder’s retirement
Speaking of the veteran cricketer’s return, Indian batting coach and former teammate of Ravindra Jadeja from the Saurashtra state team, Sitanshu Kotak, has backed the southpaw and praised his commendable fitness.
“Ravindra has already played here, so it’s great for him to be in Rajkot,” Kotak said. “A lot of support for him, obviously. I don’t think I should be talking about anyone’s future. I will 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 One-day cricket, performed significantly with the bat against South Africa. In 3 games, he came out to bat twice and managed to score 32 and 24*, but could manage just one wicket in the series.
Jadeja then again got smashed at an economy of over 6 in the game against New Zealand in Vadodara. This time, he struggled to contribute with the bat as well, as he was dismissed for just 4 runs.
In between these matches, he played two Vijay Hazare Trophy games, where he scored a half-century for Saurashtra and was unbeaten on 36* and 52*. He had also picked 4 wickets across those two games and is expected to return with such figures in Rajkot as well.
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