Notable absentees in India’s squads for the tour of Sri Lanka next month, include Ravindra Jadeja, an all-rounder who has been a key player in India’s ODI team over the last 10 years.
The new management under coach Gautam Gambhir who has recently retired from T20Is is looking for possible replacements for spin all-rounders ahead of the Champions Trophy.
A BCCI source told the Hindustan Times that “there are only six ODIs before next year’s Champions Trophy, including three in Sri Lanka and selectors want to have a look at Axar Patel and Washington Sundar.” In addition, Ravindra Jadeja has scored 2756 runs and picked up 220 wickets with bowling averages of32.42,36.07 respectively with economy rates of 85.06 ,average strike rate.
As such, management wants to think about someone else since they have got a lot more to come which will help us build our team towards future interests,” according to the source.
This makes Axar Patel as the number one choice spin-bowling all-rounder with Washington Sundar being considered as his second option on this position.
His untouched place in the Test team shows how crucial he is when it comes to playing on home conditions during India’s attempt at lifting World Test Championship trophy.”
“Ravindra Jadeja is excellent as far as test matches go; he is not matchless when it comes to bowling at home.” Therefore, he will be essential for India’s World Test Championship bid,” said the source.
The Indian team will begin their Sri Lanka tour on July 27th with a T20I match scheduled to take place at Pallekele; thereafter there will be three ODIs in Colombo starting from August 2nd. The choice made by new management reflects strategic shift towards nurturing tomorrow’s champions before The Champions Trophy.
