India's spin-bowling coach assesses Jadeja's value as a utility player ahead of the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Team India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's prospects for the 2027 World Cup remain under active assessment, with India's spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule emphasising the left-hander's value as a utility player. Bahutule made the statement in Guwahati on Tuesday, September 29, as Jadeja prepares for the tournament scheduled in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The evaluation comes at a critical juncture, with India having less than 20 ODIs remaining before the World Cup campaign begins.
Jadeja returned to the ODI side against West Indies at Thiruvananthapuram after missing the series against Afghanistan at home and the tour of England, where he went wicketless and conceded 54 runs in his full quota. Bahutule acknowledged the competition for places in India's spin department, where Axar Patel is currently on Asian Games duty alongside other options including Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar.
"With Axar also being around, the tournaments or series which we play in the coming time, we will be able to assess performances or who can be of utility," Bahutule said in a pre-match press conference.
Bahutule assesses Jadeja's utility for the 2027 World Cup
Bahutule has consistently viewed Jadeja as a player capable of contributing across multiple dimensions. The spin coach highlighted Jadeja's recent improvements with the ball and his value as a batter in the middle order. Bahutule's assessment reflects India's broader strategy of evaluating all-round options ahead of the World Cup.
"For me, he has always been a utility player. He is somebody who can contribute with the bat as well as with the ball. He has definitely improved as a bowler over the last six months," Bahutule added.
Jadeja's recent performances and bowling improvement
Bahutule was particularly encouraged by Jadeja's recent performances in Test cricket and his return to ODI action. The spin coach noted that Jadeja's first match back after a lengthy absence showed promise despite the competitive nature of India's spin options. Bahutule's comments suggest Jadeja remains in contention for the World Cup squad.
"I thought in the Test matches he bowled really well in Sri Lanka, as well as now in the ODIs. It is just the first game after a long period, but he has done well," Bahutule said.
Kuldeep Yadav's role in India's spin plans
Bahutule also addressed the broader spin department, noting that Kuldeep Yadav remains a match-winner for India despite recent performances. The spin coach indicated that all spinners in contention would have opportunities to prove their fitness and form in the remaining ODI series before the World Cup.
"Kuldeep has always been a match-winner for India. There are certain aspects where he feels that he needs to improve. He will go into the nets, work at it, and there are aspects where he is very confident because he has been a part of this team for years. He went for a County stint as well," Bahutule concluded.