By Admin 
Ravindra Jadeja has been one of those players of Indian cricket who has made criticism his strength. When he was called a “bits and pieces” player in 2019, Jadeja proved his importance by performing in all three formats. His status in Test cricket continues even today and after the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin in December 2024, he remains India’s most reliable spin all-rounder. However, the picture now seems to be changing in limited overs cricket.
Jadeja has already retired from T20 International after the World Cup victory in 2024. Even in ODI cricket, his best performance was visible only till 2023. In the same year, he played 26 ODI matches, in which he scored runs at an average of 31 and also took regular wickets. However, after this his graph appeared to be going down. There was no consistency in his performance in the few years after the 2019 World Cup and he did not get a chance to play a single ODI in 2024.
Jadeja played only 13 ODI matches between 2025 and 2026. In these matches only 139 runs came from his bat. Neither his batting showed the same impact nor the same edge with the ball for which he was known. Even though his career statistics are strong—200-plus ODIs, 2866 runs and 200-plus wickets—his performances in the last two years have left both selectors and fans wondering.
Batting order becomes a big problem
The experiment of making Jadeja bat at number 5 and 6 was not very successful in both Team India and IPL. He got limited opportunities at these places and scored less runs. On the contrary, he has made the biggest impact in his career at number 7. His early dismissal in the recent ODI also became a reason for criticism, because the team needed his experience the most at that time.
Akshar Patel and Sundar’s challenge
The difficulty for Jadeja has also increased because all-rounders like Akshar Patel and Washington Sundar are emerging rapidly. Akshar has performed well with both bat and ball in the recent ODI matches and has won the trust of the selectors. Sundar is currently injured, but as soon as he becomes fit, he will also be a strong contender. Apart from this, young players like Riyan Parag and Ayush Badoni are included in the future plans.
fight of last chance
Sundar’s injury has definitely given Jadeja a chance in the current series. He is the only experienced spin all-rounder in the team and if he performs well in these matches, his ODI career can go further. However, if the effect is not seen, then his journey in 50 over cricket may come to an end soon.