Ravindra Jadeja opens up on his snub from ODI series against Australia, says he wants to play

India’s all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said he wants to keep playing for the country in the ODI format after he was not picked in the squad for the three-match series against Australia. Jadeja revealed the newly appointed captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir spoke to him regarding their plans before the squad was announced by the selectors.

Jadeja last played for India in ODIs in the 2025 Champions Trophy. The left-arm orthodox spinner scalped five wickets in five matches of the marquee tournament at an impressive economy rate of 4.36. 

Jadeja has been in tremendous form in the red-ball version. The left-hander scored 516 runs in five Test matches on the England tour and played a key role in the team’s success. 

Furthermore, the southpaw scored an unbeaten 104 against the West Indies in the opening Test at Ahmedabad and also scalped four wickets in the second essay and thus was awarded Player of the Match.

Speaking after the end of the second day’s play against the West Indies, Jadeja said, “I want to play, but it’s not in my hands. At the end of the day, the team management, selectors, coach and captain have some thoughts. There would be some reason behind why I have not been picked for the series. They had spoken to me, so I was not surprised when the team was announced. It was good of the captain, coach and selector to speak to me about their thought process.”

Jadeja said he would look to once again prove his mettle whenever he gets his opportunity in ODIs.

“Whenever I get a chance next, I will try to continue doing what I have been doing all these years. If I perform well in the one-dayers before the World Cup and if the get a chance, it will be good. Winning the 50-over World Cup is everyone’s dream. Last time, we fell just short so this time, if the opportunities arises, we will try to finish it,” Jadeja commented.

India will take on Australia in the first ODI on 19th October.