'Foolish to write him off': Ex-India captain backs veteran for ODI World Cup 2027

Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma (PTI Photo)

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has thrown his support behind Ravindra Jadeja, insisting that the veteran all-rounder still has a role to play in India's plans for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 despite his recent struggles in the format. Jadeja was not included in India's squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with the selectors opting to move in a different direction after a lean run in one-day cricket. While questions have emerged over Jadeja's future, Srikkanth believes it would be premature to write off a player who has been one of India's most dependable all-rounders across formats for nearly two decades. Speaking on his YouTube channel 'Cheeky Cheeka', the former India opener argued that Jadeja should remain in contention for the 2027 World Cup and form part of India's all-rounder group alongside Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy. "Jadeja cannot be written off yet as he's a brilliant cricketer. Nitish Kumar Reddy is a developing all-rounder. So once Hardik Pandya is back, it'll be only one of himself and Nitish. The other all-rounder must be Jadeja. But Jadeja also must start performing. Yet, even though he's not at his peak, it'll be foolish to write him off,” he said. Srikkanth also weighed in on Rohit Sharma's ODI future, backing the India captain to continue in the format as long as his performances justify his place in the side. The veteran opener noted that Rohit's spot should be determined by form rather than age, adding that the coming months will be crucial as India begin shaping their squad for the 2027 World Cup. "Rohit's inclusion will depend on his form. If he keeps scoring runs, then what's the problem? He has been scoring in the recent ODIs. He looks very fit and is timing the ball well. So you can't jump the gun one way or the other. The next few months will be a trial-and-error period. By January or March next year, we should fix a list of 20 players for the 2027 World Cup," Srikkanth continued. India currently lead the Afghanistan series 1-0 following their victory in the rain-affected opening ODI in Dharamsala. The second match will be played in Lucknow on June 17, where India will aim to wrap up the series, while Afghanistan will be fighting to keep the contest alive.

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