Why did Ravindra Jadeja miss IND vs AFG one-off Test?

Ravindra Jadeja has been India’s MVP in Test cricket since last few years.

The Indian Cricket Team and the Afghanistan Cricket Team are up against each other in the one-off Test. The game between the two teams is taking place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. 

This is the second time that both India and Afghanistan are clashing against each other in the longest format of the game. The two teams faced each other in 2018 and it saw India winning the game, which was also Afghanistan’s first Test match. 

It will be a tough challenge for India as the players had less time to make a shift from white-ball cricket, IPL, to red-ball cricket. However, they would still fancy themselves to win as their record at home is magnificent. 

On the other hand, Afghanistan would want to script history. They have some quality players in the ranks and with conditions being good for batting and spin bowling, they surely can challenge India on their home soil.

In the IND vs AFG one-off Test, India won the toss and opted to bat first. However, what caught the attention of many was the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, who has been the backbone for India in the longest format of the game. 

Why is Ravindra Jadeja not playing the IND vs AFG one-off Test?

The reason behind Ravindra Jadeja not playing the IND vs AFG one-off Test is due to the injury that he sustained during the IPL 2026.  The injury made the selectors rest him for the game, which is why he is not there with the team in Mullanpur.

This, however, marks the first time in 15 years when India will play a home Test without Ravichandran Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja. In their absence, the onus will be on Kuldeep Yadav to lead the spin bowling attack.

Jadeja’s absence will leave a massive void in the XI as he has been the MVP of the Test team for the last few years. Not only with the ball, but he has also been contributing heavily with the bat. Captain Gill would be hoping that others step up in his absence and help the team win. 

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