Former Sri Lanka captain on Ravindra Jadeja’s injury ahead of the T20 World Cup. Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardena has stated that the absence of Jadeja will be a “massive loss” to Team India.
The All-India Senior Selection Committee announced the T20 World Cup squad earlier this week, and players like Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel returned from injuries. Ravindra Jadeja is not in the squad because he was injured during the Asia Cup and had surgery. Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardena has stated that the absence of Jadeja will be a “massive loss” to Team India.
“It is difficult. They had him perfectly cast in the No. 5 role. He’s been batting really well, and having him and Hardik (Pandya) in the top six – two guys who can provide all-round options – has given India a lot more flexibility in their batting order “On The ICC Review, Jayawardena stated.
“It’s a tough one for them, and they’re probably worried about not having that left-hander. They’ve decided to replace DK (Dinesh Karthik) in that role with Rishabh Pant, who bats at 5 or 4. These are the issues they must address before the World Cup. But not having Jadeja in his current form will be a huge loss for them “He continued.
Also Visit: PCB Chief On Pakistan Great’s Claims About Shaheen Afridi
Virat Kohli’s form is one bright spot for India.
The right-handed batter was in fine form during the Asia Cup, where he scored his first T20I century against Afghanistan. Kohli’s first international century since November 2019 came with this score.
“”He was pretty much there and thereabouts,” Jayawardena said. “He simply didn’t have that big score under his belt to gain that confidence, especially in white-ball cricket, which happens all the time.” There have been a few injury concerns in the last year. He had minor aches and pains, so they rested him, and India continued to rest people despite their heavy workload. So not having that consistent run makes it difficult “Jayawardena stated.
“He batted well in the Asia Cup, demonstrating his abilities, particularly in that batting position. Going forward, having that stability in that line-up and confidence that a guy like Virat will be a factor for India will be a concern for the opposition as well. It’s encouraging to see him batting like that. In a World Cup, we need all of these brilliant players to be at their best, and the World Cup deserves it as well. At that level, everyone is going at it. Australia will host an exciting World Cup “He continued.
Also Read: Venkatesh Iyer is hit on the neck by Chintan Gaja’s throw and limps off the field in pain.