India’s squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka was announced by the BCCI on Tuesday. The upcoming series will mark a new beginning for Team India as it will be the first ODI series under new head coach Gautam Gambhir.
The selectors have thrown up several surprises in the ODI squad. One of the biggest surprises is the absence of Ravindra Jadeja. The veteran all-rounder, who retired from T20Is last month following the T20 World Cup victory, has failed to make it into Sri Lanka’s ODI squad.
While the senior players were expected to be rested for the series, the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have made themselves available. The veteran batsmen reportedly agreed to play the series after Gambhir’s request. However, there was no place for Ravindra Jadeja in the squad. While the BCCI has not revealed any reason behind the absence, many believe that the all-rounder has been ruled out and has not been rested.
Ravindra Jadeja last played an ODI during the World Cup last year. He played in all 11 matches that India played in the competition and impressed with the ball. The left-arm bowler took 16 wickets, including 5 wickets, and maintained an economy rate of less than 5. He had also scored 120 runs.
Below are some of the reactions to Ravindra Jadeja’s absence from the ODI side:
Has Jadeja been punished for being a thalsan?
– zameer (@ranghad_) July 18, 2024
It also seems to be the end of the road for Ravindra Jadeja in ODIs. He should have retired with dignity after last year’s ODI World Cup.
— Prince Singh (@singh_prin45152) July 18, 2024
Everyone on social media is talking about why #Ruturaj_Gaikwad and #Abhishek_Sharma were dropped from the #T20i squad for the SL tour. But no one is talking about why #Jadeja’s name is not in the ODI squad for the SL tour. Was he rested or dropped? #SLvsIND #INDtourOfSL2024 pic.twitter.com/I0yglq2wO9
– Soumik Sutradhar (@SoumikSutradhar) July 18, 2024
I just noticed that Ravindra Jadeja has also been dropped. How is this possible? It seems like it is just a teaser and the Gautam Gambhir era will be full of politics.
— Naman 🤓 (@Mr_unknown23_) July 18, 2024
Why was Jadeja dropped from the team? Remember he is the best cricketer! Don’t you forget that? 💔💔💔
– ARJUN (@arjunontweetz) July 18, 2024
Has Jadeja been dropped from ODIs?
He took 16 wickets, including a fifer, and batted at an average of 40 in the WC Warra Clowns as selectors 🤡. #INDvsSL #RuturajGaikwad #NEETPaperLeak Gill #TrainAccident pic.twitter.com/SrRumMgNt3
— ᴬˢⁱᵐ ˢᵗᵃⁿ (@YourDadAffu1) July 18, 2024
The only positive thing is that Jadeja fell off the white ball.
– AaraVK18 (@KOHLI18_ERA) July 18, 2024
I know Gambhir hates Dhoni but for now, as a professional, I thought he would not be biased and take the right decisions but he proved us wrong. He does not deny his hatred for anyone who looks up to him. Rutu was sacked, Hardik was sacked from the captaincy, Jadeja was dropped from ODIs.
– SHARDULKAR (@Shardulkar) July 18, 2024
Gambhir does not like players who love Mrs Dhoni, for example, Ruturaj and Jadeja.
– Taha Abbas 🦁 (@tahaabb62883980) July 18, 2024
Ravindra Jadeja was dropped from the ODI squad despite taking 16 wickets and scoring at an average of 40 in the 2023 ODI World Cup
Something smells fishy, for sure. pic.twitter.com/Glu1CSfGtM
– Aditi 🌷 (@ewww_aditii) July 18, 2024
Just noticed Ravindra Jadeja is not in the ODI squad 🤯 Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are there, but he is not. End of the road for him in limited overs cricket? 🤔 #INDvsSL
— Rohit Sharma (@RohitSharma4822) July 18, 2024
The first major move of the #Gambhir era has been made: #RavindraJadeja has been dropped from ODIs.
RELIEF. RELIEF. RELIEF.
— Aditya Ahuja (@the_royal_fork) July 18, 2024
It was only a matter of time before Ravindra Jadeja was sacked. A wise decision by GG. There was no point in having Axar Patel and Jadeja in the same team.
— Prince Singh (@singh_prin45152) July 18, 2024
It also seems to be the end of the road for Ravindra Jadeja in ODIs. He should have retired with dignity after last year’s ODI World Cup.
— Prince Singh (@singh_prin45152) July 18, 2024
With Jadeja unavailable, India’s options for the upcoming series will be Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel. Meanwhile, the selectors have recalled Shreyas Iyer to the Indian squad while they have also called up Riyan Parag and Harshit Rana for the first time for an ODI. In another major decision, Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain despite KL Rahul being in the squad.
The three-match ODI series will be played from August 2 in Colombo. The second and third matches are scheduled for August 4 and 7 respectively.
