Indian legend backs Jadeja for India’s ODI squad

• Shastri backs Jadeja for 2027 ODI WC despite Australia series omission.
• Jadeja's Test form, fielding praised; Patel, Sundar favored for Australia.
• Ponting hails Jadeja's fitness, adaptability; current No. 1 Test all-rounder.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has voiced strong support for veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, backing him to play a key role in the 2027 ODI

World Cup. Jadeja, who was recently left out of India’s squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series against Australia, remains a vital asset in Shastri’s vision for the future.

Despite his omission, Jadeja has been in outstanding form, particularly in red-ball cricket. He delivered back-to-back dominant performances in Test series against England and the West Indies, reaffirming his value as a match-winner with both bat and ball.

For the Australia tour, selectors opted for fellow spin-bowling all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, leaving Jadeja out of the white-ball setup. However, Shastri emphasised that Jadeja’s experience and composure under pressure make him indispensable for India’s long-term plans.

"2027 everyone talks. Do not discount or write off Ravindra Jadeja. He will be in the mix, there is no question about that. He's still fielding like he is 7-8 years younger than what he is. It is just a privilege to watch him chase a ball on the field. I can understand (why he was not selected) in Australia because there is Axar, and there are only 3 matches, but come South Africa, where you have to play in different venues against different teams, both of them might play," Ravi Shastri said on the ICC Review.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting praised Jadeja for his exceptional fitness and adaptability, noting that the all-rounder continues to evolve his game even in the latter stages of his career.

"I think I need to get some of what he is taking, because he does not seem to be ageing at all. He's the modern day Benjamin Button. I know he picked me off a couple of times when he first started. Warney always told us about him from the start, and once again, he was not wrong. It is hard to say that he is the best fielder of all time, but you put him right there in the absolute upper echelon," said Ponting.

Jadeja’s stellar performances in the recent home Test series against the West Indies have propelled him to a career-high 25th position in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings. Renowned for his all-round prowess, Jadeja has held the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test All-Rounder Rankings since 2022.