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Aakash Chopra has acknowledged that Ravindra Jadeja is a defensive bowling option. However, he doesn't see the left-arm spinner making way for Yuzvendra Chahal in India's playing XI in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
India will face Bangladesh in their second Super 8 game in Antigua on Saturday, June 22. They will likely stick with the same playing XI they fielded in their 47-run win against Afghanistan in Barbados two days ago.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked whether Chahal should replace Jadeja in India's XI as the latter is a defensive bowler.
"It's a very interesting question. What you are saying is right. Ravindra Jadeja has picked up just one wicket thus far and four matches have passed. He didn't even bowl in one match. He didn't bowl or bat in one match, he didn't do anything. There is no doubt that Jadeja is a defensive bowling option. He is not your attacking option and is almost like-for-like to Axar Patel, so why not Yuzi Chahal?" he responded (2:25).
The former India opener reckons Chahal will not get a game in the ongoing T20 World Cup unless Kuldeep Yadav is unavailable.
"However, I still do not feel he will play. I feel he won't play in the entire tournament unless something happens to Kuldeep Yadav. God forbid, nothing should happen. Our kid should remain absolutely healthy and should remain in form because he is a wicket-taker. He is an X-factor," Chopra said.
Jadeja has bowled just six overs in the 2024 T20 World Cup, picking up a solitary wicket at an economy rate of 6.17. Kuldeep, meanwhile, has played one game thus far, registering figures of 2/32 in four overs against Afghanistan.
"Ravindra Jadeja provides you batting at Nos. 6, 7 or 8" - Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra pointed out that Ravindra Jadeja is preferred over Yuzvendra Chahal due to his all-round abilities.
"Yuzi Chahal is not playing because batting becomes slightly weak, or else we should say batting becomes short. Ravindra Jadeja provides you batting at Nos. 6, 7 or 8. He is a gun fielder. He might be a defensive option but you will find many times that the captain will get four overs between him and Hardik," he elaborated in the same video (3:00).
The renowned commentator added that Rohit Sharma will look to split eight overs between Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya based on the conditions.
"If it's an absolute rank turner, then his four and Axar's four. Then Hardik might not bowl his entire four but if the pitch is flat and he (Jadeja) gets hit a little, he (Rohit) will go quickly to Hardik Pandya, and get eight overs bowled between him, Axar and Hardik. So I don't see Yuzi Chahal playing now as well," Chopra explained.
Jadeja has managed only seven runs in two innings in the ongoing T20 World Cup. However, his presence in the lower-middle order allows the top-order batters to adopt a slightly more aggressive approach.
