AUS vs IND 2025: Ajit Agarkar explains why Ravindra Jadeja missed out on India's ODI squad

India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar has disclosed why ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has not been selected in India's ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia. The squads for the series Down Under was announced on Saturday, October 4.

Agarkar acknowledged that Jadeja is certainly in the scheme of things as far as the ODI setup is concerned. However, he conceded that the all-rounder was not needed as per the demands of the conditions in Australia.  

"He's very much in the plans. But, there will be some competition for places. Of course, he was there in the Champions Trophy squad because we took those extra spinners with the conditions there, at the moment, we could only carry one and get some balance in the team with Washi (Washington) and Kuldeep (Yadav) there as well. I don't think we're going to need more than that in Australia spin," stated Agarkar.

Jadeja is currently serving as the vice-captain for the Test side in India's ongoing series against West Indies. Agarkar praised Jadeja's all-round prowess and his utility for the team.

"However, he's clearly in the scheme of things, Jaddu (Jadeja), with how good he is, what he offers us as a batter and a bowler, but particularly in the field as well. It's just three matches, it's a short series. You can't accommodate everyone. And unfortunately, at the moment, he's missing out," he added.

For the unversed, Jadeja has already hung up his boots from the shortest format. In addition to the 86 Tests and 74 T20Is, he has played 204 ODIs for India. Jadeja averages 32.62 with the bat in the 50-over format and has also secured 231 wickets at an economy rate of 4.85.

The Men in Blue have gone ahead with a lone specialist spinner in Kuldeep Yadav, who will be accompanied by spin all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are also set to feature in the 50-over lineup. The series is scheduled to commence on Sunday, October 19.