Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared a blunt assessment of Ravindra Jadeja following his underwhelming ODI series against New Zealand. Ashwin stated that questions are emerging around Jadeja’s batting impact, particularly against spin, with Axar Patel waiting for chances in ODI cricket.
The 37-year-old failed to make an impact with 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 a top score of 27, raising questions about his ODI future.
It Is A Very Challenging Time For Ravindra Jadeja – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said that competition for places in the Indian team is getting tougher. Ravindra Jadeja looked uncomfortable against spin while batting, as he struggled to rotate the strike or find boundaries, leading to growing calls for Axar Patel’s inclusion.
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Ashwin also said that Jadeja is going through a challenging phase and needs to rediscover his rhythm, especially with the bat. He added that it is still too early to judge Jadeja’s future.
“See, it is a very challenging time for Jadeja. We all know that Axar Patel is right back on his heels. The fact is that Jadeja has done well in ODIs; he is also playing the Test format,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’.
“But it isn’t easy for Jadeja because it is more about his batting. There are talks emerging about his low strike rate against spinners. This is way too early on anybody’s cricket or future,” he added.
“We have the T20 World Cup and the IPL after this. Remember that Jadeja will play the IPL. The performances there will lead to a decision. It is too early to make a decision on anybody,” he added.
Ravindra Jadeja’s Strength Sometimes Turns Into His Weakness – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said that Ravindra Jadeja has immense talent but is reluctant to try new variations with the ball. Ashwin added that Ravindra Jadeja’s greatest strength is his consistency and that he should feel free to experiment more in matches, such as bowling the carrom ball.
“Jadeja’s strength sometimes turns into his weakness. I sometimes get jealous. The kind of ability he has skills in batting, bowling and fielding. But he doesn’t do one thing? He never goes out of his strengths. He has never really flirted with new things,” said Ashwin.
“He is a bona fide legend. He has nothing to lose, so I would like to see him experiment. I have seen him bowling carrom ball in the net practice, but he has never done so in a match. Would love to see him get a bit funky,” he added.
India Shouldn’t Have Lost This Series – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin said that 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 to go down 2-1.
Ashwin added that visiting teams are now better prepared, bowling and playing spin more effectively. He said Virat Kohli was the lone bright spot, scoring 240 runs, including a century and a fifty.
“It was a tough series; India were soft. Very surprising. India shouldn’t have lost this series, but they have because I think we were a bit soft. At this point in time, this team is not able to respond,” said Ashwin.
“The teams are coming in better prepared to face this Indian team. They are bowling better spin and playing spin better,” he added.
