Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has predicted that veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja might not be picked in the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. Jadeja didn’t play in the third ODI against the West Indies after he didn’t get a chance to bat in the first two games of the series.
The left-arm orthodox spinner took two wickets in as many games at an average of 64.50 against the Windies. Chopra reckons Axar Patel will make a comeback into the ODI team as the first-choice spin-bowling all-rounder.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “You could have played either Ravindra Jadeja or Naman Dhir. You have, anyway, not played Ravindra Jadeja for a long time. He doesn’t play whenever Axar is there. I think he won’t be in the ODI squad for the New Zealand tour either. Ravindra Jadeja getting limited opportunities and not playing in this match makes it seem like the decision has been made. It comes across like they don’t want to go with Ravindra Jadeja.”
On the other hand, Chopra questioned the team management decision to demote Nitish Kumar Reddy below Naman Dhir. Reddy was dismissed after scoring nine runs whereas Dhir scored 30 runs off 21 balls in the third ODI against the visitors on Saturday.
He concluded, “You brought Nitish Kumar Reddy back, which is good; he should be playing. You kept him below Naman Dhir. I don’t like it personally because you won’t be able to prepare Nitish like this. Looking from the World Cup’s perspective, you urgently need Nitish Kumar Reddy prepared.”
India will next take on the West Indies in a five-match T20I series, starting Tuesday.
