NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer
Tom Moody
has raised concerns over
Ravindra Jadeja
's suitability as India's No.7 batsman in the upcoming
T20 World Cup
, emphasizing the need for a player who can make a significant impact with a better strike rate at that position.
Moody's comments come amidst ongoing discussions about India's squad composition for the tournament.
Despite Jadeja's impressive performances with both bat and ball, Moody believes his strike rate of 131.93 in the current IPL season does not justify his inclusion as a middle-order batsman.
"I'd be taking Jadeja purely because I'm looking for the best left-arm spinning option. He's the best left-arm spinner in the country," Moody stated on Star Sports.
Moody reiterated his stance, stating, "In my eleven, he's not batting at No.7. I don't think he's good enough to bat seven in a World Cup side. He's proven that with his strike rate. You need an impact-type player batting at seven."
Former India cricketer K Srikanth echoed Moody's sentiments, acknowledging Jadeja's stature as a big-match player but highlighting
Axar Patel
's potential match-winning abilities.
Srikanth emphasized that while Jadeja would likely feature in the starting lineup due to his experience and past performances, Axar Patel's inclusion in the squad is equally significant.
"Jadeja will be in the 11 but Axar will also be in the 15. Axar is also a potential match-winner, you have to understand that," Srikanth affirmed. "But the first choice will go to Jadeja at number 7 by sheer experience and the way he's played international cricket in the past and he's a big match player."
Srikanth further emphasized the dilemma faced in choosing between Jadeja and Axar Patel, likening them to essential components of the team.
"Both Jadeja and Axar Patel will be there. Probably the first nod will go to Jadeja for the first match and then probably Axar Patel. Both of them are equally important to me; it's like my right eye and left eye; which one do I choose?" he added light-heartedly.
As speculation mounts ahead of the T20 World Cup squad announcement, debates surrounding player selections and batting positions continue to intensify, with experts and fans eagerly awaiting the final decision from the selectors.
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