Ravindra Jadeja is still in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup, India’s bowling coach confirms

Ravindra Jadeja’s ODI World Cup hopes remain alive, with India continuing to evaluate the veteran all-rounder alongside Axar Patel as they finalize their spin-bowling options for the 2027 World Cup. India’s spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule stressed that Jadeja’s batting prowess and experience could still make him an important part of the team’s plans.

The 37-year-old returned to India’s ODI XI for the series opener against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, having missed the previous ODI assignments against Afghanistan and England. However, his return with the ball was not particularly productive as he completed his quota of 10 overs in 54 runs without a wicket. He didn’t get a chance to bat as India chased down 296 in just 41.4 overs.

“With Axar also around, the tournaments or series we play in the coming time, we will be able to judge the performances or who can be useful,” Bahutule said on the eve of the second ODI against West Indies.

“But Jaddu, with his batting skills and (and) the experience he’s getting, he’s definitely doing well and I’m sure we’ll be looking at him in the time to come.”

“He’s always been a utility player for me. He’s someone who can contribute with bat and ball. He’s definitely improved as a bowler in the last six months.”

JADEJA’S EXPERIENCE REMAINS THE KEY FACTOR

Jadeja’s place in India’s ODI plans has come under the scrutiny of Axar, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar, who also provide spin-bowling options. Axar and Washington are currently off duty for the Asian Games, giving Jadeja another opportunity to stake his claim.

However, his first ODI against West Indies offered limited evidence with the ball. While Jadeja was wicketless, Kuldeep was an outstanding performer and returned figures of 10-1-40-4 from 10 overs as India restricted West Indies to 295 for seven. Shubman Gill then hit 110 while Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 as India completed an eight-wicket victory.

However, Bahutule pointed to Jadeja’s recent Test performances in Sri Lanka as proof of his enduring value. The all-rounder took eight wickets in the two-Test series before returning to the ODI side against the West Indies.

“I thought (in) the Test matches he played really well in Sri Lanka, as he has now with the ODIs. It’s only the first game in a long time but he did well.”

Jadeja’s batting remains an important part of the equation, especially given his ability to provide balance in the lower order while contributing with the ball and in the field.

India will use their upcoming assignments to compare their options and assess which combination best suits the conditions they are likely to face at the 2027 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

For now, Bahutula’s comments make it clear that Jadeja remains part of the conversation, with his all-round utility and experience to be weighed alongside his performances in the pre-tournament matches.

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