Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody has voiced reservations about Ravindra Jadeja’s role as India’s No.7 batsman in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Moody stressed the importance of a player who can make a significant impact with a better strike rate at that position. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about India’s squad composition for the tournament.
Despite Jadeja’s impressive all-round performances, Moody believes his strike rate of 131.93 in the current IPL season does not justify his inclusion as a middle-order batsman.
“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,” Tom Moody stated on Star Sports. However, he reiterated his stance that Jadeja is not suited for the No.7 position due to his strike rate, emphasizing the need for an impact-type player at that spot.
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Former India cricketer K Srikanth echoed Moody’s sentiments, acknowledging Jadeja’s stature as a big-match player but highlighting Axar Patel’s potential match-winning abilities. Srikanth emphasized that while Jadeja would likely feature in the starting lineup due to his experience and past performances, Axar Patel’s inclusion in the squad is equally significant.
“Jadeja will be in the 11 but Axar will also be in the 15. Axar is also a potential match-winner,” Kri Srikanth affirmed.
Kris Srikanth further emphasized the dilemma faced in choosing between Jadeja and Axar Patel, likening them to essential components of the team.
“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 added light-heartedly.
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As speculation mounts ahead of the T20 World Cup squad announcement, debates surrounding player selections and batting positions continue to intensify, with experts and fans eagerly awaiting the final decision from the selectors.
