‘Don’t Write Off Ravindra Jadeja’: Ravi Shastri Confident of All-Rounder’s 2027 World Cup Return

Ravi Shastri believes Ravindra Jadeja will continue to play a key role in India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has backed Ravindra Jadeja to feature in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The all-rounder, currently left out of the ODI series against Australia, continues to remain an important figure in India’s long-term setup. Jadeja has shown top form in Test cricket, producing match-winning performances against England and the West Indies earlier this year.

For the Australia tour, selectors went with spin-bowling all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. However, Shastri believes Jadeja’s experience, fitness, and ability to perform under pressure will keep him in contention, including the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.

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“2027 everyone talks. Do not discount or write off Ravindra Jadeja. He will be in the mix, there is no question about that. He’s still fielding like he is 7-8 years younger than what he is. It is just a privilege to watch him chase a ball on the field. I can understand (why he was not selected) in Australia because there is Axar, and there are only 3 matches, but come South Africa, where you have to play in different venues against different teams, both of them might play,” Ravi Shastri said on the ICC Review.

“Modern-day Benjamin Button” – Ponting on Ravindra Jadeja’s form

Meanwhile, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting lauded Ravindra Jadeja’s remarkable fitness and ability to constantly refine his game, even in the later phase of his career.

“I think I need to get some of what he is taking, because he does not seem to be ageing at all. He’s the modern day Benjamin Button. I know he picked me off a couple of times when he first started. Warney always told us about him from the start, and once again, he was not wrong. It is hard to say that he is the best fielder of all time, but you put him right there in the absolute upper echelon,” said Ponting.

Notably, Jadeja recently climbed to a career-best 25th spot in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings after impressive outings in the home series against the West Indies. He has also retained the No. 1 position in the ICC Test All-Rounder Rankings since 2022.