Former South African batsman AB de Villiers believes Ravindra Jadeja can still return to India’s ODI squad, despite being left out of the upcoming series in Australia. De Villiers, however, acknowledged that the selectors faced a tough choice, especially with Axar Patel also under consideration.
Axar, a left-arm spinner and handy batsman, secured a spot in the ODI squad over Jadeja, who brings experience from 204 matches since his debut in 2009. The squad’s other spin options include Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav, as India aim to challenge the Aussies. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, De Villiers remarked:
“Another surprise is no Ravindra Jadeja. They are touring Australia and remember the World Cup is in South Africa. One of the spinners will miss out and they’ve decided to go without Jaddu now. I wouldn’t say that is the end of the road for him. As we know he is in wonderful form now and bowling exceptionally well.”
“He always chips in with the bat. But between him and Axar Patel, not an easy decision. I think Axar is definitely ahead in the T20 arena. This one was a bit trickier I think for the selectors. Not an easy call, but I do still feel it’s not the end of the road for Jaddu.”
Even without Jadeja, the former Proteas captain noted that India boasts a well-balanced side.
“The other spinners Washi Sundar and obviously also Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep Yadav out and out attacking bowler, wicket-taker with the others that can all chip in with both bat and ball. Really well-balanced team here I feel, really good seamers combined with some great batting as well.”
“Interesting Move” – AB de Villiers On India Resting Jasprit Bumrah
While AB De Villiers appreciates the importance of managing Jasprit Bumrah’s workload, he believes the star pacer should have featured in the ODIs to gear up for the 2027 World Cup. On this, he further stated:
“Very interesting and important to note about Jasprit Bumrah here. I don’t know if he’s being rested or has a niggle maybe my team can help me. But he will obviously be part of the team’s plans moving forward. He’s been rested, there’s been spoken about that they’re going to have to sort of manage his workload.”
“It’s an interesting series for him to rest. It’s a big one over there in Australia and an important one. The conditions are relatively similar to South Africa. It’s an interesting move but they will know what they’re doing.”
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