![Ravichandran Ashwin backs Ravindra Jadeja [Source: @pratyush_no7, @Aryan42832Goel/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768888212355_RavichandranAshwinbacksRavindraJadeja.jpg?type=hq)
Ravichandran Ashwin backs Ravindra Jadeja [Source: @pratyush_no7, @Aryan42832Goel/x]
Ravindra Jadeja spent the entire three-match ODI series against New Zealand without taking a wicket. Even with the bat, the legendary Indian all-rounder aggregated just 43 runs in three innings as Team India lost the series 1-2.
Ravindra Jadeja also failed to come up clutch for the Indian team with both bat and ball during the home ODI series against South Africa last month, scoring 56 runs in two innings and picking up just a solitary wicket in three games. Amidst his sustained struggles with the ODI format, Jadeja has now been urged to “experiment” by his ex-teammate and legendary Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Ravi Ashwin backs Ravindra Jadeja to come up good in IPL 2026
While speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin acknowledged Ravindra Jadeja’s recent struggles in ODI cricket. However, the former Indian cricketer has urged others to not determine Jadeja’s future as of yet.
Ravichandran Ashwin said, “It is a very challenging time for Jadeja. We all know that Axar Patel is right back on his heels. The fact is that Jadeja has done well in ODIs; he is also playing the Test format. But it is not easy for Jadeja because it is more about his batting. There are talks emerging about his low strike rate against spinners. This is way too early to talk on anybody's cricket or future.”
The former Indian all-rounder has also backed Ravindra Jadeja to deliver the goods in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. He added, “We have the T20 World Cup and the IPL after this. Remember that Jadeja will play the IPL. The performances there will lead to a decision. It is too early to make a decision on anybody.”
Ashwin “jealous” of Ravindra Jadeja’s skills, asks him to experiment
While Ravichandran Ashwin admired Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round skills, the ex-Indian cricketer also criticized the latter for never going outside his comfort zone. Furthermore, Ashwin has urged Jadeja to “experiment”, especially with the carrom ball on the field.
He said, “Jadeja's strength sometimes turns into his weakness. I sometimes get jealous. The kind of ability he has skills in batting, bowling and fielding. But he does not do one thing? He never goes out of his strengths. He has never really flirted with new things. He is a bona fide legend. He has nothing to lose, so I would like to see him experiment. I have seen him bowling carrom ball in the net practice, but he has never done so in a match. Would love to see him get a bit funky.”
Ravindra Jadeja’s dwindling ODI numbers and IPL future
Ravindra Jadeja has aggregated just 99 runs in five ODI innings since the conclusion of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. With the ball, the cricketer has scalped just a solitary wicket in six innings of the format.
On a trail of dwindling ODI numbers, the 37-year-old will be aiming to reverse his white-ball fortunes in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Ravindra Jadeja is scheduled to represent the Rajasthan Royals franchise in the tournament after he was traded by the CSK last year.
