NEW DELHI: Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, currently serving as India’s vice-captain in the Test series against West Indies, has spoken out regarding his surprising omission from the One Day International (ODI) squad for the upcoming Australia tour. (Image: India’s Ravindra Jadeja – AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Jadeja confirmed that the team management had informed him of their decision. Despite the setback, the experienced left-arm spin bowling all-rounder remains resolute in his commitment to perform whenever he gets the opportunity to represent India. His recent form is strong, having picked up three crucial wickets on day two of the second Test in New Delhi, contributing significantly to restricting the West Indies to 140/4 at stumps.
With an impressive career tally of 231 wickets and 2,806 runs across 204 ODI matches, Jadeja’s exclusion has raised questions among fans and pundits.
Reflecting on the situation, Jadeja told reporters, “I don’t have it in my hands. I want to play, but at the end of the day, the team management, selectors, coach, and captain have their own thoughts.”
He further elaborated, “Why didn’t I get selected for this series? There must be a reason behind it, and they talked to me. It’s not like they surprised me when I found out that I wasn’t selected. It’s a good thing that the captain, selector, and coach talked to me about the reasons behind it.”
Having recently concluded his T20I career after India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, Jadeja expressed his continued aspiration to play in major tournaments. This desire is particularly strong after India’s near-miss in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they finished as runners-up to Australia.
“I am happy whenever I get a chance, as I will try to do what I have been doing for so many years. If I get a chance to play in a major tournament like the World Cup, then it will be a good thing for Indian cricket. Everyone’s dream is to win the World Cup. Last time, we missed out on it by a whisker. If we can win this time, then we will fulfill our dreams,” he stated.
When questioned about personal achievements, Jadeja firmly emphasized that team success takes precedence over individual milestones.
“I don’t lie – sometimes I think about it and I feel good for a while. But when it happens, I feel the same and don’t feel anything is new,” he admitted. “More than my personal milestone, I think about the team’s performance – like is the team winning? Is it an impactful performance from me? My mindset is like this. If I run or take wickets, does it impact the winning of the team or not? That is more important.”
“If you make runs or pick wickets and the team loses, it doesn’t matter. When you do an impactful performance and the team wins, especially in ICC tournaments, WTC and if we win the finals by doing well as a team, and my performance is good, then I feel satisfied.”
Jadeja’s appointment as vice-captain for the West Indies series came as Rishabh Pant continues his recovery from a fractured right foot. As a senior figure in the squad, Jadeja highlighted his readiness to mentor younger players and adapt to diverse match situations.
“If there is a wicket for batting, then I become a batsman. If there is a wicket for bowling, then I become a bowler – it’s simple. I don’t think about captains and captaincy – that time has gone way too early now,” the all-rounder shared.
He concluded, “Now, as much as possible, what the team needs, I do as per that. Whether it is in batting, like Jaiswal comes and talks to me, or Kuldeep comes and asks about bowling, I tell them what can be possible and give my opinion to them on anything they ask. I am very happy with whatever I have now.”