IND v AUS 2020: Why Ravindra Jadeja's absence will hurt India in their upcoming matches

According to the concussion laws, Ravindra Jadeja has been ruled out of the remaining T20I series against Australia. The left-hander's absence will leave Team India with only one all-rounder, Washington Sundar. The all-rounder sustained a blow to the head and a suspected hamstring injury in the 1st T20I against Australia.  

The 32-year-old has determined himself as one of the significant contributors in the lower order. Captain Virat Kohli will unquestionably miss the services of the all-rounder. The men in blue will seek to keep their 9-match winning streak in the upcoming T20I matches.

Let us have a look at the three reasons why Ravindra Jadeja's absence will hurt India in their forthcoming matches.

India's fielding in the series has been adequate

Team India has always been renowned for their fielding, but the players have been strangely mediocre after their return to the international circuit. Several players have put down vital chances in the on-going series against Australia. 

In the 1st T20I against Australia, Kohli dropped a reasonably straightforward catch whereas Pandey left what would have been a wonder. Sanju Samson was also at fault for giving away five runs for the overthrow.

Ravindra Jadeja has been the best in the field. Even though he dropped a catch of Marnus Labuschagne in the 2nd ODI, he is undoubtedly India's best fielder. His absence will be significantly felt as India has been a poor fielding side of late.

Ravindra Jadeja's finishing ability

Ravindra Jadeja has formed himself into a reliable finisher. In the Australia series, the southpaw has scored 25, 24, 66*, and 44* respectively. He seems to have taken over the shroud of the finisher from MS Dhoni.

In the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, the responsibility of closing the innings will fall on Hardik Pandya and Manish Pandey. Hardik has been in good form and can be trusted to produce the goods, but the Karnataka batsman looks out of touch from the last T20I.

Jadeja's absence could massively disrupt the team balance

India's playing XI has been an essential topic for discussion ever since their return to international cricket. Hardik Pandya isn't comfortable enough to bowl regularly after undergoing back surgery. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are the only two all-rounders in the team.

Sundar is likely to be the only all-rounder in the playing XI, and he can be expected to bat at Number 7. The Indian team will mostly play with six blue-chip batsmen, one all-rounder, and four top-notch bowlers. 

On the other hand, the hosts have several world-class all-rounders they can rely upon. Moises Henriques was their star performer in the 1st T20 game. Ashton Agar is also likely to return for the 2nd game.

READ MORE Cricket articles here!