Former Indian batter Subramaniam Badrinath believes Ravindra Jadeja’s performance has clearly dipped and has backed the selectors’ decision to drop the all-rounder for the ODI series against New Zealand.
Jadeja took two wickets in two matches of the ODI series against the West Indies at an average of 64.50. The left-arm orthodox spinner hasn’t been at his best in the ODI format in the recent past.
Badrinath said on his YouTube Channel, “Yes, experience is important for the 2027 World Cup, and Jadeja has been an amazing cricketer. But eventually you have to consider performance. He has picked up only 14 wickets in 15 matches since the 2023 World Cup. And he hasn’t scored an ODI half-century in the last six years. So his performance has clearly dipped.”
The former CSK batter said the selectors are making the right call in backing Axar Patel ahead of Ravindra Jadeja as the former is performing better.
He added, “Though many will say he is a legend and should be treated better, as a selector, you have to make such calls. With Axar Patel doing well, it’s right to move forward without Jadeja. But consistency in decision-making is important. Probably in the last series itself, they shouldn’t have picked Jadeja.”
On the other hand, the former CSK batter noted that Yashasvi Jaiswal’s situation is tough after the opener was not included in ODI squad for the New Zealand tour.
“His (Jaiswal) situation is very tough. He keeps performing and is doing everything on his part. He has no place in the T20I side already. He scored a century against South Africa and Afghanistan, yet didn’t play against the West Indies and is now out against New Zealand. I feel for him because he is playing well and is at his peak,” said Badrinath (via the aforementioned source).
“He’s finding it hard to break into the team because of the presence of a senior player like Rohit Sharma. The opener, Shubman Gill, is the captain. That’s the only reason why Jaiswal is missing out. It’s bad luck that he’s not playing for reasons other than performance.”
India will play five ODIs against New Zealand.
