3 players India could consider to replace Ravindra Jadeja in ODIs

Ravindra Jadeja has been failing to perform as a wicket-taker and a finisher for India in ODIs.

After a series of underwhelming performances, it seems like Ravindra Jadeja is certainly losing his place in India’s ODI squad. In the first ODI against New Zealand, Jadeja scored only four runs and failed to take any wickets in his nine overs, where he conceded 56 runs.

Later, he played a modest innings of 27 runs off 44 deliveries in the second match, while going wicketless with the ball again.

The Saurashtra all-rounder would still likely get a chance to prove himself in the squad because Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the series due to a side strain he sustained in the opening game in Vadodara. Thus, Jadeja would likely be picked for the final ODI as an experienced all-round option.

But in the long run, the 37-year-old is unlikely to retain his position in the one-day line-up. On that similar note, let’s take a look at the 3 players India could consider to replace Ravindra Jadeja in ODIs.

3. Tanush Kotian

Tanush Kotian has become the key name in the Indian talent pool with his performances in domestic cricket. Playing as a bowling all-rounder, Kotian is a right-arm off-spinner who can also fulfil the role of a finisher. Kotian has played 27 A-list matches, taking 24 wickets and scoring 198 runs in 14 innings.

In first-class cricket, Tanush Kotian has been one of the most dominant all-rounders. In 43 matches, he has accumulated a total of 2120 runs, scoring two 100s and 17 half-centuries while also picking up 129 wickets.

2. Shahbaz Ahmed

Shahbaz Ahmed played three ODIs for the Indian cricket team back in 2022. His time with the Indian team was forgettable, as he took three wickets and scored no runs. However, the 31-year-old’s performance has drastically improved over time as he has gained experience in the domestic circuit.

Ahmed also achieved his highest score of 108 against Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on January 6. Talking about his List A career, the 31-year-old has scored 1412 runs in 42 innings in 57 matches while also picking 68 wickets.

Ahmed is a left-arm orthodox spinner who is also a left-handed batsman and possesses similar skills to Ravindra Jadeja.

1. Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya also played a brief stint under the Indian colours in 2021. In five ODI matches, he scored 130 runs, including a half-century, and took two wickets. However, since then, he has not had an opportunity to play for the Men in Blue in the 50-over format.

Despite not playing for the national team for nearly five years, Pandya remains one of the most experienced options in the talent pool. He also played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s maiden IPL triumph last year.

Nevertheless, while excelling with the ball, Krunal has diligently scored big hits as a finisher. Much like Shahbaz Ahmed, the 34-year-old also offers a similar skill set, being a left-arm orthodox spinner.

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