Mumbai: Star India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who was recently excluded from the national ODI team, is set to make a significant return to domestic cricket. He will represent Saurashtra in their second-round Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh, scheduled to begin this Friday at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.
The 36-year-old was left out of the ongoing three-match ODI series against Australia, a decision that has prompted his immediate return to the Ranji Trophy stage.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has a clear policy encouraging national players who are fit and not on international or India A duty to participate in state-level domestic tournaments. Jadeja has consistently adhered to this, frequently turning out for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy.
Last season, the ace left-arm spinner showcased his prowess by taking 12 wickets in just two Ranji matches, including an impressive seven for 38. Throughout his illustrious career, Jadeja has amassed a staggering 569 wickets at an average of 24.20 and scored 8143 runs at 45.49, including 14 centuries and two triple centuries.
Jaydev Shah, President of the Saurashtra Cricket Association, confirmed Jadeja’s participation, stating, “He informed us that he will play for Saurashtra in this round of the Ranji Trophy. He has always been keen to play for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy.”
This Ranji stint will be crucial for Jadeja to gain vital match practice. With selectors exploring options like young left-arm spinners Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar in India A matches, Jadeja’s performance will be key. He aims to prepare diligently for the upcoming two-Test home series against South Africa, which commences on November 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Earlier in November, the veteran all-rounder delivered a stellar performance against West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, scoring an unbeaten century (104 not out) and taking four wickets for 54 runs in India’s emphatic innings and 140-run victory.
Jadeja’s Ambition for the 2027 ODI World Cup
Despite his recent omission from the ODI squad, Ravindra Jadeja expressed that he wasn’t surprised by the decision, noting that the team management had communicated clearly with him. Turning 37 this December, Jadeja retired from T20Is after India’s World Cup triumph last year but maintains a strong desire to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
During a press conference after the second day’s play against West Indies in the Delhi Test, Jadeja stated, “Selection is not in my hands. I want to play, for sure.” He acknowledged the team management’s decisions, adding, “They have talked to me, it was not a surprise for me after the squad was announced.”
He continued, “It is a good thing that they communicated the reason behind my omission. I am happy about that. But whenever I get a chance next, I will try and do what I have done all these years. If I get a chance in the World Cup and there are many ODIs before and if I do well there, it will be a good thing for Indian cricket. Winning a World Cup is everyone’s dream. We had narrowly missed out the last time; the next time we will try and make up for it.”
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar also affirmed that Jadeja remains a part of the plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Agarkar explained the decision for the Australia series: “With regards to Jaddu, I mean look, at the moment to take two left-arm spinners to Australia is not possible. He is clearly in the scheme of things with how good he is, but there will be some competition for places.” He noted Jadeja’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad due to different conditions in the UAE, but for the short Australia series, accommodating multiple similar spinners was challenging.
Currently, Jadeja has played 204 ODIs, taking 231 wickets and scoring 2806 runs. In his most recent Champions Trophy appearance, he took five wickets across five innings with an economy rate of 4.35.
Echoing this sentiment, former India captain and head coach Ravi Shastri praised Jadeja on the ICC Review Podcast, stating, “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.”