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Ravindra Jadeja was left out of India’s ODI squad for the Australia series, with Ajit Agarkar citing tactical reasons.
Ravindra Jadeja (Picture credit: X @BCCI)
BCCI’s decision to leave out star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja from India’s new-look ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia has sparked curiosity.
Yet, chief selector Ajit Agarkar has clarified that the omission is purely tactical — not a reflection on Jadeja’s form or future.
Shubman Gill is set to captain Team India in the three-match ODI series against Australia, which is set to start on October 19 in Perth.
In the squads announced by the BCCI on Saturday, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are also included, but Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya missed out due to injuries, whereas Jasprit Bumrah has been rested.
Dhruv Jurel is picked ahead of Sanju Samson as backup wicketkeeper for three ODIs, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mohammed Siraj return to the ODI squad after being ignored for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Another major name that was left out was none other than the Royal Navghan Ravindra Jadeja himself, a decision that caused quite a stir among fans.
But, with the series being played in Australia, Agarkar clarified that team balance and conditions dictated the selection.
According to him, the management chose to go with one left-arm spin option, preferring Washington Sundar for his batting depth and Kuldeep Yadav for wrist-spin variety.
“Right now, we could only take one left-arm spinner for the Australia series. It wasn’t possible to fit in two. Ravindra Jadeja is absolutely in our plans — everyone knows how good he is and what he offers as an all-rounder and a fielder,” Agarkar stated in the press conference.
“But for this short series, we wanted to maintain balance with Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav in the squad.”
Agarkar emphasized that Jadeja remains central to India’s long-term plans, including the 2027 ODI World Cup, and that his absence is simply a result of the squad’s composition for this brief, three-match tour.
“This is a short series — you can’t fit everyone in,” Agarkar explained. “
“Jadeja’s quality is unquestioned. He’s very much part of our plans going forward.”
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
October 04, 2025, 15:27 IST
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