‘Fool to write him off’: Former India captain backs veteran for ODI World Cup 2027

Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma (PTI Photo) Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has backed Ravindra Jadeja, insisting the veteran all-rounder still has a role in India’s plans for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 despite his recent struggles with the format.Jadeja has not been included in India’s squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with the selectors opting to go in a different direction after a lean run in one-day cricket. While questions have been raised over Jadeja’s future, Srikkanth believes it would be premature to write off the player who has been one of India’s most reliable all-rounders across formats for nearly two decades.The former India opener claimed on his YouTube channel ‘Cheeky Cheeka’ that Jadeja should stay in the 2027 FIFA World Cup contention and be part of India’s all-round group along with Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy.“Jadeja cannot be written off yet because he is a great cricketer. Nitish Kumar Reddy is a developing all-rounder. So once Hardik Pandya comes back, it will be just him and Nitish. The other all-rounder has to be Jadeja. But Jadeja also has to start performing. Still, even if he is not at his peak, he will write him off.”Srikkanth also weighed in on Rohit Sharma’s ODI future and backed the Indian skipper to continue in the format if his performances justify his place in the side.The veteran opener noted that Rohit’s place should be determined by form rather than age, adding that the coming months will be crucial as India begin shaping their squad for the 2027 World Cup.“Rohit’s inclusion will depend on his form. If he continues to score, what’s the problem? He has scored in the last few ODIs. He looks very fit and is timing the ball well. So you can’t jump the gun one way or the other. The next few months will be a period of trial and error. By January or March next year, we should have fixed the 2027 World Cup 20rik and S list,” continued.India currently lead the Afghanistan series 1-0 after winning the rain-affected opening ODI in Dharamsala. The second match will be played in Lucknow on June 17, where India will aim to end the series while Afghanistan will fight to keep the contest alive.