Indian spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed the veteran Indianall-rounder Ravindra Jadeja after the just-concluded first ODI against the West Indies in Trivandrum on Sunday, September 27. Notably, Jadeja returned with the figures of 0/54 in 10 overs.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the second ODI, Sairaj Bahutule assured that Jadeja remains in the mix for the forthcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“For me, Jadeja has always been a utility player. He is somebody who can contribute with the bat as well as with the ball. He has definitely improved as a bowler over the last six months. I thought he bowled really well in the Test matches in Sri Lanka,” Sairaj said.
Additionally, Sairaj reckoned that with Jadeja having a lot of all-round experience, he will surely be looked at in the coming time. It’s important to note that Jadeja was axed from ODIs after a mediocre performance in the New Zealand ODIs at home earlier this year.
“Now, in the ODIs, it is just his first game after a long period, but he has done well. With Axar Patel also being around, as the tournaments and series progress, we will be able to assess whose performances and abilities can be of greater utility. But Jadeja, with his batting skills and experience, is definitely doing well. I am sure he will be looked at in the coming time,” he added.
India’s ODI team vs WI: Shubman Gill [C], Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul [VC], Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Naman Dhir.
