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When BCCI announced the Indian squads for the upcoming Sri Lanka series, many of their decisions were found shocking by everyone. One such decision was the exclusion of star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja from the ODI team, where they have called Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back. With Axar Patel being part of both ODI and T20I teams, many started believing that he had replaced the CSK player in the Indian line-up. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gambhir said that Jadeja had not been dropped but had been given rest. Now former Indian player, Pragyan Ojha has opened up on the debate and believes that Axar Patel has really challenged Jadeja with this performance in the last few months.
Pragyan Ojha on Axar Patel vs Ravindra Jadeja debate
Indian legend Pragran Ojha said Ravindra Jadeja has done extremely well for the country over the years but as per the current situation Axar Patel has presented his claim really well and it would be unfair to give him a spot in the team.
“If we talk about the last 6-8 months, the impact Axar Patel has put,it has challenged Ravindra Jadeja really very well. This is the quality that has changed in cricket. Your seniority or if you have come in team right now won't determine if you will play or not in the team. I think Axar has made that claim in the field, in the ball, in the field. The biggest advantage is that he can play in every situation, especially in power play, the way he has made an impact,” said Pragyan Ojha in an exclusive interview with Sports Tak arranged by Sony Sports Network.
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“So I think the way cricket is evolving, you have to get in sync with it. Ravindra Jadeja has done really well for the country over the years. But if you look at the current situation, Axar has presented his claim and the way it is going, I think it will be very unfair to get him out of the team,” he added.
Gambhir, Agarkar clarifies Jadeja's exclusion
As per Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar, Jadeja has not dropped but instead has been given rest strategically ahead of the super tight red-ball schedule. Gambhir emphasized the importance of Jadeja in these upcoming Test matches. Agarkar highlighted that it wouldn't have made sense to include both Axar and Jadeja for this short Sri Lanka series.
"After the Sri Lanka tour, we’ve got a long break, and then we have 10 Test matches. That’s what the challenge is all about. Hopefully, we can do well in these 10 test matches. Jadeja is important for those 10 Test matches. Looking forward to those 10 matches" said Gambhir in the press conference before IND vs SL series.
"It would've been pointless to take him and Axar for this short series. Either of them wouldn't have played all three games. There is a big Test season coming up, and he is set to feature in a lot of games. He hasn't been dropped; he is very important," said Agarkar.
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