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India head When India's squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was one of the notable omissions. Jadeja has always been a certainty in home Tests where spin plays a major role. With Ravichandran Ashwin retired, his role has become even crucial. While chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said that Jadeja has been rested, head coach Gautam Gambhir said that this was the only opportunity to try another spinner ahead of Sri Lanka tour where World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points will be on offer. The team management wants to finalise a fourth spinner between uncapped Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar for spin-friendly conditions in addition to Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav.
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“This probably is the only Test match where we can think of, or look at, someone who could be a fourth spinner. Because after this, we go to Sri Lanka, and we might have to carry four spinners as well. So, this is an ideal opportunity to try someone who could be a long-term fourth spinner as well,” Gambhir said at the pre-match press conference.
“The chairman of selectors has already made it very clear that Jadeja is an integral part of this team. It was just that we had the opportunity to try another spinner… we’ve got Washu, Kuldeep and Jaddu, who are our top three spinners. So, if you have that opportunity, we will try that opportunity and use that opportunity.”
Axar falls behind in pecking order?
Gambhir indicated that Axar Patel may not travel for Sri Lanka Tests. 32-year-old Axar has played 15 Tests and scored 688 runs, averaging 34.40. He has four Test fifties. With the ball, he has 57 wickets at an average of 19.66, featuring five five-wicket hauls. He played a major role with the bat in previous Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Indian soil. His only Test appearance in 2025 was against South Africa at Eden Gardens where he took two wickets and scored 42 runs.
Meanwhile, Jadeja struggled with injuries towards the end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. He will have plenty of time to recover as he hasn’t been picked in the squad for ODI series against Afghanistan as well.
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