Ravindra Jadeja Eyes 2027 ODI World Cup Despite Omission from Australia Series

Veteran India allrounder Ravindra Jadeja remains focused on his goal of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup, despite being left out of India's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia.

Speaking at a press conference after the second day's play in the Delhi Test against West Indies, Jadeja said he was not surprised by the omission and appreciated the transparent communication from the team management.

"Selection is not in my hands. I want to play, for sure," Jadeja said. "The team management, selectors, coach and captain have their thoughts and reasons. They communicated those to me, so it wasn't a surprise after the squad was announced."

The 36-year-old, who retired from T20Is after India’s World Cup triumph in 2024, reiterated his ambition to be part of the 2027 ODI World Cup squad.

"Whenever I get a chance, I’ll continue to do what I have done all these years. Winning a World Cup is everyone’s dream. We narrowly missed out last time, and next time we’ll try to make up for it."

Jadeja’s exclusion was one of five changes from the squad that won the Champions Trophy in the UAE earlier this year. Despite his absence, India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar assured that Jadeja remains part of the team's ODI plans.

"At the moment, taking two left-arm spinners to Australia isn't feasible," Agarkar said. "Jaddu is very much in our scheme of things. It’s just that with the conditions in Australia and the need for balance, we opted for Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav this time."

Jadeja has represented India in 204 ODIs, amassing 2806 runs and claiming 231 wickets. In his most recent ODI appearance during the Champions Trophy, he took five wickets in five matches, maintaining an economy rate of 4.35.

India will play three ODIs in Australia on October 19, 23, and 25, followed by five T20Is from October 29 to November 8.