Will Ravindra Jadeja Make a Comeback for India in 2027 World Cup?

Veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja expressed his ambition to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, calling it “unfinished business” after India’s loss in the 2023 final, despite his exclusion from the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. Speaking after Day 2 of the second Test against the West Indies at Arun Jaitley Stadium, the 36-year-old acknowledged the selectors’ decision, communicated by chairman Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Shubman Gill, to prioritise Axar Patel over him due to their reluctance to field two left-arm orthodox spinners. “It wasn’t a surprise. They spoke to me about their reasons, and I’m happy with the clarity,” Jadeja said, emphasising his intent to seize future opportunities through strong performances in lead-up matches.

Jadeja, serving as vice-captain in the ongoing Test series due to Rishabh Pant’s foot injury, dismissed any aspirations for permanent leadership, stating, “That time is long gone.” Instead, he relishes mentoring India’s young brigade, notably advising Kuldeep Yadav on spin bowling nuances and Yashasvi Jaiswal on batting mindset tailored to pitch conditions. “I tell them what I feel, keeping track and conditions in mind,” he noted, highlighting his role as a guiding figure for a team transitioning under Gill’s captaincy. Jadeja praised Gill’s consistency, with the 26-year-old skipper scoring an unbeaten 129 in the current Test, his 10th century in seven Tests as captain. “When a captain performs, it lifts the team,” Jadeja remarked, also lauding Jaiswal’s tactical acumen in amassing big scores, including 175 in the first innings.

Reflecting on his dual role, Jadeja, with six Test hundreds and 15 five-wicket hauls, quipped with characteristic humour, “On batting wickets, I’m a batter; on bowling wickets, I’m a bowler. I just want to stay in the team.” His versatility has been pivotal in India’s declaration at 518/5 against the West Indies, where he contributed 3/37 to leave the visitors at 140/4, trailing by 378 runs. Jaiswal’s 175, despite a run-out sparked by a mix-up with Gill, underscored the young opener’s maturity, which Jadeja credited to his calculated shot selection and attacking intent. “He knows when and whom to attack,” Jadeja said, predicting further success for the 23-year-old.

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The Australia ODI snub, announced last week, stirred debate, given Jadeja’s 197 wickets and 2,756 runs in 197 ODIs, including a match-defining 77 in the 2023 World Cup semi-final. Yet, with the 2027 World Cup in South Africa two years away, Jadeja remains focused, stating, “It’ll depend on the matches leading up to the tournament.” India’s Test dominance, bolstered by emerging stars like Jaiswal (2,200 Test runs since 2023) and Gill’s leadership, bodes well for their World Test Championship campaign, where they lead 2-0 against the West Indies. As Jadeja balances mentorship with personal goals, his resolve signals a determined push to cap his illustrious career with a World Cup triumph.

Live Score Update (End of Day 2, October 11, 2025): India 518/5 dec (134.2 ov; Shubman Gill 129*, Yashasvi Jaiswal 175; Jayden Seales 2/88) leads West Indies 140/4 (55 ov; Shai Hope 31*, Tevin Imlach 14*; Ravindra Jadeja 3/37, Kuldeep Yadav 1/35) by 378 runs at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

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