NEW DELHI: Among the notable absentees from India's squads for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka is all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who has been crucial to India's ODI setup for the last decade.
Following his recent retirement from T20Is, the new management under head coach Gautam Gambhir is seeking future replacements for the spin all-rounder position with an eye on the upcoming Champions Trophy.
A BCCI source told the Hindustan Times, "There are only six ODIs, including the three in Sri Lanka, before next year's Champions Trophy. The selectors want to utilise the handful of games by giving more opportunities to Axar Patel and Washington Sundar."
Jadeja has an impressive ODI record, registering 2756 runs at an average of 32.42 with a strike rate of 85.06, alongside taking 220 wickets at an average of 36.07 and an economy rate of 4.88. However, the management is keen on exploring other options to build a team for the future, as emphasized by the source.
"Nothing wrong with Jadeja's performance. The management just wants to look at other options as we have to build a team for the future," the source explained.
Axar Patel has emerged as the first-choice spin all-rounder, with Washington Sundar being considered the second-choice for the role.
Jadeja's position in the Test team remains unaffected, highlighting his importance in home conditions for India's World Test Championship bid.
"Jadeja is outstanding in Test cricket. His bowling in home conditions is unmatchable. He will be important for India's World Test Championship bid," the source added.
Team India is set to begin their tour of Sri Lanka, starting with the first T20I on July 27 in Pallekele, followed by three ODIs in Colombo beginning on August 2. The decisions made by the new management reflect a strategic shift towards grooming future talents ahead of the Champions Trophy.
