World Cup 2019: 3 reasons why Ravindra Jadeja should be considered over Kedar Jadhav in the playing XI

In their first two matches, India has clearly shown why it is a firm favorite to lift the trophy. They have handed one-sided defeats to heavyweights South Africa and Australia, something which speak volumes of the form they are in. More importantly, the team has performed as a unit, rather than being reliant on a single player. Moreover, the batting and bowling have complemented each other well, and under the able leadership of Virat Kohli, the team looks alarmingly dangerous.

The only concern for the men-in-blue is Kedar Jadhav. He has gone completely unutilized in the batting and been found wanting in the bowling as well. With Virat and Rohit in excellent form, his fortunes are likely to remain the same. Therefore, India should consider Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI. Let’s take a look at 3 possible reasons for the same.

1. Kedar Jadhav’s poor form

Lack of match-practice and poor form is something that hasn’t ended for Kedar even now. After a horrendous IPL campaign, he was deprived of match-practice due to an injury. He played against South Africa and Australia but didn’t face a single delivery.

On the other hand, Jadeja has been in sublime touch. His half-century against New Zealand is a testimony of that. In the swinging conditions, where other batsmen were found wanting, he comfortably eased to his half-century. He also showed a glimpse of his finishing skills against Bangladesh, when scored a 4-ball-11.

Therefore, it might only do good for India to drop Kedar and chip in Jadeja. With he enjoying an edge over Kedar in the fielding and bowling as well, it won’t do any good to make him warm the bench.

2. Jadeja can give you 10 overs, Kedar can’t

The team expects its all-rounders to play a supportive role in both the departments. However, Kedar can’t give you more than 4-5 overs. Though his ability to break partnerships is in no doubt, it is clear that the batsmen have read him well in the recent past, and taken effective counter-attacking measures.

Jadeja is a street-smart bowler who has been known for his tight lengths, that can choke the opposition from one hand. He doesn’t give any freebies, and this helps the other bowlers to take wickets, as the batsmen have no other option than to attack them. This will do a great deal of help to Kuldeep and Chahal, as they would be able to fight the deliveries without worrying about the run-flow.

The magnitude of all this increases because this gives Virat a luxury of six proper bowlers to choose from. He can choose either of Hardik or him depending upon the need of the conditions. His vast experience will also help both the wrist spinners.

3. Jadeja can be used as a finisher

India possesses a considerable amount of depth in their batting lineup. The first two matches have seen Kedar not facing even a single delivery. With the top-order being in excellent touch, he is likely to go underutilized in the upcoming matches as well.

The starts provided by the top-order needs to be followed by hard-hitting from the middle and the lower order. Kedar can also do this, but not before playing 10-15 balls to settle down. This can be a huge loss, especially when the top order has provided you a solid start and you have to accelerate the innings.

Jadeja can attack from the first ball.  He takes no time to settle down, which is a big advantage. The southpaw has shown this on several occasions in the IPL as well. He can also support other batsmen very well if the need of the hour is to reach a respectable total. As a result, he can be made to bat anywhere in the team.