‘Will be foolish to write him off’ - K Srikkanth demands Ravindra Jadeja’s inclusion in ODI World Cup 2027

Former India opener Kris Srikkanth has given his verdict on Ravindra Jadeja’s future in one-day cricket. The legendary all-rounder was absent from India’s squad for the ongoing three-match series against Afghanistan. 

India are hosting the Afghanistan side, and are currently leading the series 1-0 after a win at Dharamsala on June 13 in a rain-affected game. Jadeja was dropped from the ODI squad for the ongoing series after some poor outings in the format earlier this year.

The veteran has failed to pick up a single wicket in ODIs this year. Despite that, K Srikkanth believes in the quality and experience of the 37-year-old, and has asked for his inclusion in the team for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2027. He thinks that Jadeja, along with Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Hardik Pandya should be India’s all-round options for the marquee event.

"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 on his YouTube channel ‘Cheeky Cheeka’.

Jadeja has been one of the greatest all-format players for the Indian team for the majority of last two decades, and it remains to be seen whether he will be considered for the mega event next year.

Srikkanth further backed Rohit Sharma to keep playing the format till ODI World Cup 2027, and he sees no problem in it. He had a disappointing outing against Afghanistan in the first ODI after being run-out.

"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.

Team India will look to seal the ODI series at Lucknow on June 17 against Afghanistan, whereas the visiting side will be eager to stay alive in the series.