Aakash Chopra advised the Indian cricket team management against rushing Ravindra Jadeja for the upcoming third Test against England, starting on February 15 in Rajkot.
The former Indian cricketer stressed that Jadeja's return should be carefully considered, given his significant role as a bowler, batsman, and fielder for Team India. With the five-match Test series tied at 1-1, Jadeja's presence could be crucial for India in the remaining games against England.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named Jadeja in the Test squad for the remainder of the series, but his participation will depend on his fitness, and Chopra warned India against rushing him back into the playing XI against England.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “Ravindra Jadeja is indispensable in this team, there is no doubt about that. However, because he is indispensable, you do not want to rush him back too quickly, as he will have to bowl a lot.”
The cricket expert further explained, “He will also have to bat and field. He is a three-dimensional player. So, for him, I would say move ahead with caution. If he comes, India might start thinking about playing four spinners with Jasprit Bumrah.”
Meanwhile, Chopra also said that if KL Rahul is fit, he will play in the Rajkot Test since he is not doing wicketkeeping, but if he is not available, then Sarfaraz Khan can make his debut for India.
He opined, “KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja are a part of this team, which was going to be the case. I think KL Rahul should walk into this team because it was a niggle, it was not a tear or something, especially since he is a batter and is not keeping currently.”
Chopra signed off by saying, “So, I am assuming he will be available in Rajkot and will play as well. He will fit immediately in place of Shreyas Iyer to bat at No. 4. Just in case Rahul is not available, you could see Sarfaraz Khan making his debut.”
The third Test will commence on February 15 in Rajkot, while the fourth Test kicks off in Ranchi on February 23 The fifth and final test of the series will be played in Dharamsala on March 7. The series is currently level 1-1.
(With PTI Inputs)
