Players who can replace Jadeja in ODIs [Source: AFP Photo, X}
India was expected to beat New Zealand in the 3-match ODI series, but the Kiwis sprung a surprise as they came back from 0-1 down to beat the hosts in a riveting series that ended with heartbreak for the Men in Blue. Several players underperformed against the visitors, but one name that particularly stood out was Ravindra Jadeja.
In the three ODI matches, Jadeja failed to pluck a single wicket, as the Kiwi batters dominated the proceedings against him in the middle-overs. Jadeja, almost 38, is not getting any younger, and his ODI performances have diminished in the last few years. Perhaps the time has come for India to replace him with a younger player.
Axar Patel was an easy like-for-like replacement, but India has shown no trust in his abilities, and hence, here are 3 other players who can replace Jadeja as an all-rounder in ODIs.
1) Tanush Kotian
At 27, Tanush Kotian is in the prime of his career, and has done well for Mumbai in the domestic circuit. An off-break bowler, Kotian is a handy batter at number 7, and is equally potent with the ball, and the stats tell the story.
| Criterion | Data |
| Matches | 27 |
| Runs scored | 198 |
| Batting strike rate | 112.50 |
| Wickets taken | 24 |
(Tanush Kotian List-A stats)
- With the bat, Kotian strikes at 112, and is more than a handy player at number 7 as India desperately needs an aggressor at that position. Also, with his off-break bowling, Kotian can be a solid prospect for India, and the team can look at him to replace Jadeja.
2) Krunal Pandya
If India needs a like-for-like replacement to replace Jadeja, look no further than Krunal Pandya. A left-arm off spinner like Jadeja, and a solid left-handed batter, Krunal could be the perfect player to slot in that number 7 role as a finisher for the Men in Blue.
| Criterion | Data |
| Matches | 98 |
| Runs scored | 3001 |
| Batting strike rate | 88.03 |
| Wickets taken | 118 |
(Krunal Pandya List-A stats)
- As the numbers reveal the story, Krunal Pandya has solid statistics in domestic cricket (List-A) and has already represented India in the ODIs, and has the experience of playing at the highest level.
- Pandya has scored 3000 List-A runs, and has also scalped 118 wickets in the format, showcasing his all-round prowess, and hence, he could be just the option India needs to replace Jadeja in ODIs.
3) Riyan Parag
- The other two players in the list are known for their bowling abilities, and just to add a different flavour, Riyan Parag is added to the list. He is more of a batting all-rounder, but also has the ability to take wickets with his off-break bowling.
- He has 1947 runs in 55 List-A matches, and the Assam all-rounder averages 41.42 as the batter can play anywhere between the number 4 spot to number 7 spot in the batting order.
- Not only with the bat, but Parag is a handy customer with the ball, picking up 54 wickets at an economy of less than 5 runs per over. Not only as an accumulator, but Parag can be used as a finisher by India.
Conclusion
Jadeja’s time looks to be up in ODIs, and with 6 months left before India plays another ODI series, the team needs to find a suitable replacement, and the three options mentioned in the list could be a solid choice.
They all provide something different and have different skillsets that will suit the ODI format. However, of all the names included, Krunal Pandya looks to be the perfect choice as he has the experience and the ability to fill the role at number 7.
