Jadeja likely to feature in Saurashtra's next Ranji Trophy game against Delhi: Report

Ravindra Jadeja, on January 19 (Sunday), joined the Saurashtra team ahead of their next Ranji Trophy 2024-25 fixture against Delhi in Rajkot, starting on January 23. 

The spin-bowling all-rounder will practice with the team with a high possibility that he could also feature in the game, reported Cricbuzz.

Jadeja, who is also part of India’s Champions Trophy squad, last played a Ranji Trophy game for Saurashtra in January 2023. Apart from him, Delhi’s Rishabh Pant has also confirmed his availability for the match, while Virat Kohli is carrying a “niggle” and won’t be available for selection. 

During a press conference on January 18 (Saturday), Indian captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that he will be available for Mumbai’s next game against Jammu and Kashmir. He could open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill will play for Punjab against Karnataka.

There have been pressure on Indian players, especially batters, to play domestic cricket after suffering humiliating defeats in the Test series against New Zealand and Australia. 

"I think everyone should, when available. Sometimes, it's difficult if you're playing all three formats. You don't get as much time. You'll probably find most of the guys playing this round of Ranji Trophy. There's been a little bit of time. And those who are available and fit, obviously, you expect people to play. I don't think it's a diktat," said chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

Talking about the same, Rohit said: “In the last 6-7 years, if you look at our calendar, we haven't been sitting home for 45 days when cricket is going on. For me personally, Since I've started playing Test cricket regularly, which was 2019, you hardly get time. When you play international cricket regularly, you need time off, just to refresh.”