Brad Hodge thinks Ravindra Jadeja can't be replaced

Gujrat Lions’ coach Brad Hodge feels it would be impossible to replace Ravindra Jadeja, who he thinks is a 3-dimensional player.Hodge was full of praise for Jadeja and said “No, he can’t be replaced..he is a three-dimensional player…he bats, bowls and fields like a jet. So it’s very hard to replace him in any cricketing side.”

Jadeja who is world no.1 bowler in ICC rankings and is coming off a great home season has been sidelined for first two weeks of IPL on the advice of the BCCI medical team.

Hodge pointed out to the fact that he was awesome in the recently concluded series against Australia and it was understandable for him to be seeking rest after a long and hectic home season. “Ravindra was an unbelievable player in the recently concluded Test series (against Australia) and I understand that he needs some time to get cent per cent fit,” Hodge as quoted by Network 18

Along with Ravindra Jadeja Gujrat Lions would also miss All-rounder Dwayne Bravo at the start of the season. Reports state the Bravo would also be missing the first 2 weeks of the season.

Hodge hoped that Dwayne Bravo would be back by 20th April and said that “Bravo, hopefully he will be fit around 20th of April. He will be key player for some games and when he comes he brings nice energy and when he is a good man around the group, he’s always happy, dancing and having fun, so we are looking forward to him to join us,”

Brad Hodge admitted that replacing players of the class of Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja is never easy but hoped that it could prove to be a chance for youngsters replacing them to showcase their talents at the biggest stage of it all.

Gujrat Lions who came 3rd in IPL last season in spite of finishing the round-robin stage at 1st position.But they lost Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2 to Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively and would hope to go at least 1 better this time around. They start their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on 7th April.