Veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who was ruled out of competitive cricket from the Asia Cup last September following a right knee surgery, will be seen playing for Saurashtra in the final round of Ranji Trophy match against Tamil Nadu in Chennai from January 24.
The 34-year-old, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, has been included in the 17-member squad for the first couple of Tests in the much-anticipated four-match series against Australia, starting in Nagpur. However, his availability will depend on fitness as a decision on Jadeja can be taken during the four-day match.
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As quoted by PTI, Saurashtra Cricket Association president Jaydev Shah said, “It would be good if he plays for Saurashtra. Maybe he will, but I don’t have any more details.
Ravindra Jadeja named in India’s Test squad to face Australia, likely to play Ranji Trophy match as he makes comeback from injury https://t.co/h0lAkujrvD pic.twitter.com/lV13HWy3s8
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 14, 2023
Ravindra Jadeja has not played any competitive cricket since the T20I against Hong Kong in the Asia Cup 2022 and his last first-class match was the rescheduled One-off Test against England at Edgbaston last July.
As per the recent reports, Ravindra Jadeja has reportedly started bowling and batting from the beginning of this week as he will soon complete his rehabilitation at NCA. The left-handed all-rounder is often seen as a vital cog in India’s line-up, especially in the absence of Rishabh Pant at No.5 or 6 in the middle order.
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Ravindra Jadeja’s left-arm spin could also come in handy along with premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the four-match series, which will determine India’s fate as they make it to consecutive World Test Championship finals. In the 2016–17 series against Australia, Jadeja was instrumental in being named player-of-the-series with 25 wickets and 127 runs as India registered a memorable 2–1 victory.
