“It is a very challenging time for Jadeja” - Ravi Ashwin backs Ravindra Jadeja to come out well in ODIs

Former Indian spinner and analyst Ravi Ashwin has requested the Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to experiment instead of sticking to strengths in the 50-over format. Ashwin’s comments came right after Jadeja’s poor ODI series against New Zealand.

Delving into Jadeja’s stats in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the all-rounder managed to score only 43 runs from three innings at an average of 14.33 and a poor strike rate of 66.15. With Axar Patel’s consistent performances in this format, Jadeja’s place is uncertain for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.

Since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, Jadeja managed to scalp only one wicket in six ODIs at an average of 298 and an economy rate of 6.2. With the willow, he racked up only 99 runs in five innings at an average of 24.75 and a strike rate of 88.39.

"See, it is a very challenging time for Jadeja. We all know that Axar Patel is right back on his heels. The fact is that Jadeja has done well in ODIs; he is also playing the Test format. But it is not easy for Jadeja because it is more about his batting. There are talks emerging about his low strike rate against spinners. This is way too early to talk on anybody's cricket or future," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

"We have the T20 World Cup and the IPL after this. Remember that Jadeja will play the IPL. The performances there will lead to a decision. It is too early to make a decision on anybody," he added.

"Jadeja's strength sometimes turns into his weakness. I sometimes get jealous. The kind of ability he has skills in batting, bowling and fielding. But he does not do one thing? He never goes out of his strengths. He has never really flirted with new things," he noted.

"He is a bona fide legend. He has nothing to lose, so I would like to see him experiment. I have seen him bowling carrom ball in the net practice, but he has never done so in a match. Would love to see him get a bit funky," he concluded.

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