Team India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has come out in strong support of the all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who made a comeback to the Indian ODI team in the just-concluded first ODI against the West Indies in Trivandrum on Sunday, September 27.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the second ODI in Guwahati, Sairaj reckoned that Jadeja remains in the mix for the forthcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2027, courtesy of his experience.
“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.
Further, the Indian spin bowling coach added that with Jadeja having a lot of experience in both batting and bowling departments, he will surely be looked at in the coming time, getting a lot of game time ahead of the showpiece event next 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.
Jadeja returned with the figures of 0/54 in 10 overs in the first ODI. Interestingly, he was axed from the One-Day squad after a poor series against New Zealand at home earlier this year. However, he is back in the mix now ahead of the mega event.
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.
