Former Indian captain Chris Srikanth has thrown back his support Ravindra Jadejainsisting that the veteran all-rounder still has a role to play in India’s plans for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 despite recent struggles in the format.Jadeja was not included in the Indian squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, the selectors opting to go in a different direction after a lean run in ODI cricket. While questions have been raised over Jadeja’s future, Srikanth believes it would be premature to write off a player who has been one of India’s most reliable all-rounders across formats for nearly two decades.Speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Cheeky Cheeky’, the former India opener argued that Jadeja should remain in contention for the 2027 World Cup and be part of India’s all-rounder group. Hardik Pandya And Nitish Kumar Ready“Jadeja cannot be written off yet because he is a brilliant cricketer. Nitish Kumar Reddy is a developing all-rounder. So once Hardik Pandya comes back, it will be one of himself and Nitish. The other all-rounder should be Jadeja. But Jadeja should also start performing. Even though he is not at his peak,” he said.Srikanth also weighed in on Rohit Sharma’s ODI future, backing the Indian captain to continue in the format as long as his performances justify his place in the team.The veteran opener noted that Rohit’s place should be determined by form rather than age, adding that the coming months will be crucial as India begin building their squad for the 2027 World Cup.“Rohit’s inclusion will depend on his form. If he keeps scoring runs, then what’s the problem? He’s been scoring in recent ODIs. He’s looking very fit and timing the ball well. So you can’t jump the gun somehow. The next few months will be a period of trial and error.” By January or March next year, we should finalize the 20-man list for the 2027 World Cup,” Srikanth continued.India currently lead the series 1-0 in Afghanistan after victory in the rain-affected opening ODI in Dharamsala. The second match will be played in Lucknow on June 17, where India will aim to wrap up the series, while Afghanistan will fight to keep the competition alive.
