Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody believes that India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is unsuited to be India’s No. 7 in the 2024 T20 World Cup. While Moody picked Jadeja over Axar Patel in his squad, he added how Jadeja has failed to make a significant impact with the
bat in T20 cricket. He also said that India need someone who can play at a better strike rate at that position.
Speaking on Star Sports Press Room, Moody said: “I wouldn’t be taking both (Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel). I’d be taking Jadeja purely because I’m looking for the best left-arm spinning option. He’s the best left-arm spinner in the country. In my eleven, he’s not batting seven. I don’t think he’s good enough to bat seven in a World Cup side. He’s proven that with his strike rate. You need an impact-type player batting at seven. I don’t think he’s good enough to bat seven in a World Cup side. He’s proven that with his strike rate. You need an impact-type player batting at seven.”
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However, during the same show, former India cricketer and selector K Srikanth also stated that the Men in Blue should pick both Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel in their 2024 T20 World Cup squad. He, however, added that Jadeja is likely to start ahead of Axar as well.
Speaking about them, he said, “Jadeja will be in the 11 but Axar will also be in the 15. Axar is also a potential match-winner you have to understand that. Axar can bat brilliantly, bowl brilliantly, field brilliantly. But the first choice will go to Jadeja at number 7 by sheer experience and the way he’s played international cricket in the past and he’s a big match player.”
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“Jadeja is a big match player, but similarly, Axar Patel has done very well, so both Jadeja and Axar Patel will be there. Probably the first nod will go to Jadeja for the first match and then probably Axar Patel. Both of them are equally important to me; it’s like my right eye and left eye; which one do I choose?” he concluded.
