Ravindra Jadeja is not good enough to bat at seven in a World Cup side: Tom Moody

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody has said that Ravindra Jadeja is not suited to be India’s No. 7 batter for T20 World Cup 2024, which is set to begin on June 2. Moody discussed the ideal Indian squad and picked Jadeja ahead of Axar Patel but opined that the side needs someone who can bat at a better strike rate than Jadeja. 

"I wouldn’t be taking both (Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel). I’d be taking Jadeja purely because I’m looking for the best left-arm spinning option. He’s the best left-arm spinner in the country. In my eleven, he’s not batting seven. I don’t think he’s good enough to bat seven in a World Cup side. He’s proven that with his strike rate. You need an impact-type player batting at seven,” Moody said on Star Sports Press Room.

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"I don’t think he’s good enough to bat seven in a World Cup side. He’s proven that with his strike rate. You need an impact-type player batting at seven,” he added.

First choice will go to Jadeja: K Srikanth

Furthermore, former Indian cricketer K Srikanth was part of the same discussion and opined that the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) should pick both Jadeja and Axar Patel in their squad for the T20 World Cup. He feels that Jadeja has better chances to break into the starting lineup as compared to Axar.

"Jadeja will be in the 11 but Axar will also be in the 15. Axar is also a potential match-winner you have to understand that. Axar can bat brilliantly, bowl brilliantly, field brilliantly. But the first choice will go to Jadeja at number 7 by sheer experience and the way he’s played international cricket in the past and he’s a big match player,” Srikanth said.