Reports: Ravindra Jadeja unlikely to feature in West Indies ODIs due to injury concerns

The Indian team has faced yet another blow as their upcoming white-ball series against West Indies might see some important players sit out of the game. Ravindra Jadeja, the vice-captain for the ODI series, might sit out of the series, which is set to commence on Friday, July 22, at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain Trinidad.

India will be playing West Indies for three ODIs at the venue before starting with the five T20Is. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, who has been rested for the 50-over games, Shikhar Dhawan has been appointed as the captain, with Jadeja as his deputy. But as per recent developments, the senior all-rounder has sustained a niggle on his knee and will be allowed to play based on medical advice.

As per a report by Cricbuzz, Jadeja will play depending upon the extent of the seriousness of his injury. If the injury is healed quickly, without any future circumstances, Ravindra Jadeja might return for the remaining fixtures, but if the level of injury worsens, he might as well have to sit out of the entire series.

If sources within the BCCI are to be believed, the 33-year-old might be out of the ODI leg of the tour and return for the T20I leg. The decision will depend on the precaution to prevent aggravating his ailment, which is reportedly his left knee. The ODIs are slated to take place on July 22, 24, and 27. The T20I series will commence on July 29 and continue till August 7.

Vice-captain’s spot falls vacant

The development has caused the team management and national selectors to consider if they need to name a deputy. There are chances that no announcement will be made and that Rahul Dravid, the head coach, will make the call about the vice-captaincy on the spot. Yuzvendra Chahal and Shardul Thakur are the other experienced players on the ODI team, alongside Dhawan, as the skipper has been handed a bunch of new faces.

Jadeja joined the Indian team after recovering from the injury that he suffered during the IPL this year, which forced him to pull out of the tournament towards the end. But the all-rounder has been with the Men in Blue and has played an important role in the team. His recent stint was the England tour, where he played a one-off Test, two T20Is, and three ODIs