Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has expressed concerns over Ravindra Jadeja's lean patch with the bat in ODI cricket ahead of the 50-over World Cup at home.

Speaking to Star Sports, Gambhir said the all-rounder will have to win matches with his batting ability in the quadrennial event, slated to get underway on October 5 in Ahmedabad.

Gambhir's comments came after Jadeja failed to make a mark with the bat in the just-concluded Asia Cup 2023. The southpaw registered scores of 14, 4 and 7 in the three innings he batted during the continental tournament.

“If Ishan Kishan plays at No. 5, there are question marks there as well. So Ravindra Jadeja will have to win matches with his batting ability because you might have a situation where you need 80 or 90 runs in 10 overs and the No. 6 and No. 7 batters might be playing together,” Gambhir stated.

While Gambhir acknowledged that Jadeja has batting ability, he said it’s still debatable against quality bowling attacks.

“Ravindra Jadeja has the ability but it is still debatable against top-quality bowling. The way he has contributed, no doubt he will fit in any playing XI, but India will be happy if Ravindra Jadeja is seen in good hitting form. There is a massive difference between good batting form and good hitting form,” he added.

Gambhir pointed out that the ability to build partnerships down the order was missing for India during Asia Cup 2023.

“You can go in and hang in there, you can build a partnership, but if you need 90 runs in the last 10 overs, you should have the ability to score 40 of the 90 runs in that partnership. That was missing somewhere or the other in this tournament,” he said.

India will open their World Cup campaign against five-time champions Australia at Chepauk on October 8.