World Cup 2023: With the ODI World Cup just around the corner, Team India is riding high on the back of their Asia Cup 2023 triumph, followed by a series win against Australia. These victories undoubtedly serve as a confidence booster. Yet, amidst these positive outcomes, a shadow of concern looms large regarding the batting form of one of their most vital cogs – the all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja. The year 2023 hasn’t been generous to Jadeja, with the southpaw failing to register even a single half-century.
Several participating teams in the 2023 ODI World Cup boast a profound depth in their batting lineup. This makes Jadeja’s form crucial for India, especially given the emphasis on a balanced playing XI in modern-day cricket.
World Cup 2023: A closer look at Jadeja’s performance this year reveals a rather grim picture. In the 12 ODI innings he’s played, he’s mustered just 189 runs, averaging a modest 27. To add to the woes, his strike rate hovers around a meager 64.28. His highest score this year remains an unbeaten 45, which he scored against Australia early in 2023.
World Cup 2023: Reflecting on his performance, Jadeja expressed his own dissatisfaction during an interaction on Star Sports during the Asia Cup. Recognizing the need for improvement, he confessed to his struggles with the bat and emphasized his ongoing rigorous practice sessions to hone his batting skills. As the World Cup looms, the onus is on Jadeja not just as a bowler but as a potential match-winner with the bat. Given the stakes, his performance can very well be the difference between triumph and despair for India in this grand cricketing spectacle.
