Ravindra Jadeja’s poor form sparks debate about his ODI future

Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s struggles in the recent ODI series against New Zealand have sparked fresh debate about his form and future in the format. After one of his most difficult ODI outings, questions around age, performance, and adaptability have begun to surface. Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has now weighed in, offering candid advice to his long-time teammate.

Speaking on his YouTube channel following India’s rare home series defeat to New Zealand, Ashwin suggested that Jadeja may need to reinvent himself, much like Virat Kohli has done in recent months. According to Ashwin, change and freedom could be the key to reviving Jadeja’s impact in the twilight phase of his career.

Ashwin described Jadeja as a cricketer who firmly believes in operating within his strengths rather than experimenting. He explained that Jadeja prefers refining a specific skill set instead of venturing into unfamiliar territory, especially with the ball.

“Jadeja knows what he does best, and he sticks to it. He doesn’t believe in going beyond his strengths. If you expect him to suddenly bowl in different styles or slow it up unnaturally, that’s not how he operates,” Ashwin noted.

However, Ashwin felt that this very mindset might now be holding Jadeja back. He encouraged the all-rounder to be more daring, particularly in the latter years of his career, and to bring into matches the variations he routinely practises in the nets.

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Ashwin reasoned that when a player is already under scrutiny, playing safe offers little advantage. Instead, he argued, trying something new could either change fortunes or lead to the same outcome, making the risk worthwhile.

“As a friend, I keep telling him, what’s the worst that can happen if you try something different? You could fail and be dropped, but even if you stick rigidly to your ways and fail, the result is the same. If you experiment and succeed, everything changes,” Ashwin said. “Jadeja has nothing left to prove. He’s a lion, he’s a king.”

Drawing from his close observation of Jadeja over the years, Ashwin revealed that the left-arm spinner often experiments with deliveries like the carrom ball during practice sessions but rarely uses them in competitive matches. Ashwin believes unlocking that hidden range could make a significant difference.

“He is incredibly skilful. Expanding your game after relying on your strengths for so long is not easy, but if he lets go and plays with freedom, the results will follow,” Ashwin added.

Ashwin repeatedly pointed to Virat Kohli as an example, highlighting how the former India captain has shed pressure and embraced a fearless mindset. Kohli, he said, is now batting with joy and authority, which has translated into consistent performances.