Ravindra Jadeja, one of India’s most trusted all-rounders, has finally broken his silence after being left out of the ODI squad for the upcoming Australia tour.
The 35-year-old said that while he respects the selectors’ decision, his dream to play in the 2027 World Cup is still alive.
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Jadeja spoke openly about the communication he had with the team management and shared his feelings during a post-day press conference after the Delhi Test.
Why was Ravindra Jadeja left out of the Australia ODIs?
Jadeja admitted that the decision wasn’t entirely in his control. "See, this is not in my hands. I mean, I want to play the World Cup, of course, but at the end of the day, there’s some thinking from the team management, selectors, coach, and captain — why they didn’t keep me in this series. There must be some reason behind it," he explained.
He mentioned that the team officials had already spoken to him before the squad announcement, so the decision didn’t come as a surprise. Jadeja appreciated the clear communication from the captain, selectors, and coach.
"And they spoke to me — it’s not like I got a surprise when the team was announced that I’m not there. So that’s a good thing, that the captain, selector, and coach spoke to me about what they were thinking and the reason behind it. So I’m happy about that," Jadeja added.
Many fans, however, believe his absence could mark the beginning of the end for him in the ODI format.
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Does Jadeja still aim to play in the 2027 World Cup?
Despite being dropped, Jadeja made it clear that he’s not giving up. "But whenever the next opportunity comes, obviously, I’ll try to do what I’ve been doing all these years. And like you said about the major tournament — the World Cup — if I get a chance there, before that there are quite a few ODIs. If I do well in those and get the opportunity, obviously it’ll be good for Indian cricket."
Jadeja expressed that winning a World Cup remains one of his biggest dreams. "And yes, winning the World Cup is everyone’s dream. Last time in the 50-over World Cup, we fell short by a little, so this time, if possible, we’ll try to finish what was left incomplete," said Jadeja.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar also confirmed that Jadeja is still in the selection radar for future ODI assignments, meaning his World Cup hopes are not over yet.
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