Coach Sairaj Bahutule Says Ravindra Jadeja Still Under Consideration For 2027 World Cup

Ravindra Jadeja remains part of India’s thinking for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the veteran all-rounder’s value with the bat being assessed alongside Axar Patel as the team evaluates its spin-bowling options, India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said on Tuesday. Jadeja returned to India’s ODI squad for the ongoing series against the West Indies after missing the previous series against Afghanistan at home and England away. The 37-year-old’s continued presence in the team indicates that his experience and all-round abilities remain under consideration as India build towards the next 50-over World Cup.

Jadeja’s return came in the first ODI against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram, where his bowling figures were less influential than usual. He completed his full quota of 10 overs but went wicketless while conceding 54 runs. His performance came after a period away from India’s ODI setup, making his role and position in the team’s long-term plans a subject of discussion. With the 2027 World Cup still ahead, the management has time to assess different combinations and determine how its spin options fit into the playing XI.

Bahutule said India are examining the utility of both Jadeja and Axar, particularly in relation to their batting contributions. The two left-arm spinners offer similar bowling options but also provide depth with the bat, allowing the team to consider combinations that strengthen both departments. The coach indicated that the assessment is not based solely on bowling performances, with the players’ overall contributions being considered as India look at the resources available for the World Cup cycle.

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Jadeja’s experience gives him an important role in that assessment. He has been a regular member of India’s limited-overs setup for many years and has played in multiple major international tournaments. His ability to contribute in the lower middle order, bowl economical spells and field effectively has traditionally made him a valuable all-round option. However, the emergence of other players, including Axar, has created competition for places in India’s spin-bowling group. The management will therefore have to weigh experience against current form and the balance required in the team.

India’s spin options will be particularly important as preparations for the 2027 World Cup develop. The tournament will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with conditions across the three countries expected to require different combinations depending on venues and opposition. India’s selectors and team management are likely to use the matches leading up to the tournament to test players and combinations rather than settle on a final group too early. Jadeja’s return to the ODI squad provides another opportunity to assess how he fits into those plans.

For Jadeja, the current series represents a chance to make a case for continued selection in the ODI format. His first outing against the West Indies did not produce a major impact with the ball, but his overall value cannot be assessed from one performance alone. With the World Cup still more than a year away, the management has considerable time to evaluate his batting, bowling and fielding contributions alongside those of other contenders. Bahutule’s comments suggest that Jadeja remains part of that evaluation as India continue shaping their squad for the 2027 World Cup.

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