India looking to move on from Ravindra Jadeja in ODIs: Report

On July 18 (Thursday), the BCCI named a full-strength squad — minus Jasprit Bumrah — for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August, with the group featuring both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

However, there was a notable absentee in the form of Ravindra Jadeja. 

Jadeja retired from T20Is after the T20 World Cup, alongside Kohli and Rohit, but while the other two seniors were picked in the ODI squad, there was no place for the all-rounder, who was an integral part of the Indian side in the 50-over World Cup last year.

Jadeja had a solid year in ODIs in 2023 — averaging 30 with the bat while taking 31 wickets at an economy of 4.60 — but, according to a Hindustan Times report, the management are believed to be moving on from the all-rounder, who will turn 36 later this year.

"There are only six ODIs, including the three in Sri Lanka, before next year's Champions Trophy. The selectors want to utilise the handful of games by giving more opportunities to Axar Patel and Washington Sundar," Hindustan Times quoted a BCCI source as saying.

"Nothing wrong with Jadeja's performance. The management just wants to look at other options as we have to build a team for the future," the source added.

Notably, in Jadeja’s absence, the management have included two spin-bowling all-rounders in the ODI squad, in Washington Sundar and Axar Patel. In the T20WC last month, Axar outshone Jadeja with both bat and ball.

But while Jadeja’s future in ODIs hangs in the balance, he is expected to be an integral part of the Test side for the foreseeable future.

"Jadeja is outstanding in Test cricket. His bowling in home conditions is unmatchable. He will be important for India's World Test Championship bid," the source added.

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