Don't question Ravindra Jadeja's place in playing XI, he is a rock-star: Sunil Gavaskar

India are preparing to face England in the second Semi-Final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 at Providence Stadium in Guyana on June 27. Questions have been raised about the performance of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

Despite India's unbeaten run in the tournament, Jadeja's contributions have been modest, with just 20 runs scored and a single wicket taken in seven matches. However, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has come to Jadeja's defense, dismissing criticism and emphasizing the player's overall value to the team.

The marquee event has seen the Men in Blue become a dominant team, securing a spot in the semi-finals without a single defeat. While the team's performance has been stellar, individual contributions from key players like Virat Kohli and Jadeja have been under scrutiny.

Jadeja, known for his all-round abilities, has struggled to make a significant impact with both bat and ball in the tournament so far. Gavaskar expressed his confidence in Jadeja's abilities and experience.

“I am not at all concerned as he is very experienced. For whatever opportunities he’s got, he’s done well. And don’t forget, in the field itself, he saved 20 to 30 runs with his fielding ability, taking catches, and getting the runout. So don’t forget those 20-30 plus runs. Then he enters the field, with anything that he does with the bat and ball is an added value to his ability. So I don’t think we should even think about questioning (Jadeja),” Gavaskar said on Stars Sports.

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Two bad games and you go, what to do with him: Sunil Gavaskar

The batting legend also criticized the tendency of Indian fans and media to question players' positions in the team after a few poor performances in a tournament like the World Cup.

“The problem with India and Indian fans is, Two bad games and you go, what to do with him, what to do with him? You know that is the worry," he added.

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The veteran opener believes that the all-rounder is one of the best players in the team, and can cause problems for the opposition on any given date.

"Nobody who asks these questions even thinks about their own professions, whether they have made two errors, and whether people are questioning their place in their own profession, whichever profession they are. This is just simply a good topic for television, you don’t question Jadeja’s place in the playing XI. He’s a rock star,” he concluded.