Apart from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, another senior Indian player's future across formats is hanging in the balance, with the star cricketer no longer in head coach Gautam Gambhir's scheme of things.
According to a report in the Times of India, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's future is currently uncertain across all the formats after an uninspiring display in red-ball and white-ball cricket over the last few months.
BCCI sources told the publication that Gambhir and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel are keen on forming a core group keeping the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. However, it is yet to be seen if the planning for that ICC event begins with the next month’s Champions Trophy.
"Gambhir has been very assertive about creating core teams according to formats. As of now, he hasn't quite tinkered with the longer formats but has a clear vision for creating a strong base for the ODI World Cup. He is keen on giving exposure to a few more identified players," a BCCI source told TOI.
“It's all about when the selectors decide the transition needs to kick in. They will discuss if they want to go with a safe option in Jadeja or move on right now.”
The report further stated that selectors are on the verge of completely discarding Jadeja from the 50-over format after a poor return with the bat at No. 7 in the last two years, with the southpaw having strike rate of just 75. In fact, he was not picked for the ODI tour of Sri Lanka last year shortly after his T20I retirement.
As things stand now, Axar Patel has pipped Ravindra Jadeja in the pecking order with Washington Sundar also in the mix for the spin all-rounders slot.
The source further told TOI that while Jadeja is still in reckoning for both the England Test tour and the Champions Trophy, the selectors will decide the eventual fate by the end of this weekend.
"Even in Test cricket, he has struggled to get going, though his bowling has been steady. There is an urge to move on from him, especially in the ODI format. It will be a tough call in the coming days," the source said.
"When it comes to Test cricket, Jadeja is still fairly in contention for the England tour due to lack of experience in the middle order. But the selectors will have to take a call during the home season. For the Champions Trophy, selectors will be aware that pitches in Dubai have historically been helpful to slow bowlers," the source added.
