Ravindra Jadeja brings a lot more balance to Team India, says Harsha Bhogle

Commentator and cricket expert Harsha Bhogle believes that bringing in Ravindra Jadeja into India’s playing XI will add a lot more balance to the side. He feels Jadeja should be considered on a regular basis, as the spinning all-rounder’s inclusion would help Team India form the right combination. According to Bhogle, Jadeja is someone who should be prepped for India’s 2019 World Cup plans as well, especially if he can prove himself with the bat.

In his return to ODI cricket, Ravindra Jadeja was impressive with a 4-for against Bangladesh. Although Jadeja came in place of injured Axar Patel, he was a direct replacement for all-rounder Hardik Pandy who picked up an acute back injury in India’s Group A match against Pakistan.

The left-arm spinner also made valuable contributions with the ball in India’s 5th and final Test against England earlier this month. Once again, replacing Hardik Pandya, Jadeja finished with a total of 7 wickets in the Test as well as an unbeaten 86 in the first innings.

Jadeja’s batting key to India’s success: Bhogle

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Harsha Bhogle said, “Today India is completely reliant on Hardik Pandya. No Pandya there is Bhuvneshwar Kumar at No 7. You are really struggling. Some of the pitches in England might be trying which might tempt India to play both Jadhav and Jadeja. I may not need to play Hardik. I have got an option at 7. So you can play 3 spinners and 2 pacers and vice versa.

“If you get one of them batting at 7 it is a huge advantage. Some days you might have Hardik at 7 and someday you will have Jadeja at 7,” Bhogle added.

Harsha Bhogle also believes that if both Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are in the team, Kedar Jadhav finds no place in his playing XI. However, former New Zealand bowler Simon Doull disagreed with Bhogle on this matter, saying that India would stick to a conservative approach and play the extra batsman. Jadhav is also useful with the ball, especially with his round arm action which cuts out bounce.

India are currently defending their Asia Cup title in the UAE. They will next take on the Windies at home before travelling to Australia for a lengthy series.

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