Gautam Gambhir, former India opener, has emphasized the crucial role of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja‘s batting prowess in the upcoming World Cup. Gambhir spoke to Star Sports, stating that Jadeja must be the match-winner with his batting skills during the 2023 World Cup.
“Questions also remain if Ishan Kishan plays at No. 5 in the order. Therefore, Ravindra Jadeja will have to use his batting skills to win games for India because you never know when you might need 80 or 90 runs in 10 overs and the No. 6 and No. 7 batsmen might be playing together,” Gambhir said.
He went on to say that Jadeja has batting ability but it’s still debatable against top-quality bowling attacks. India beat Sri Lanka to win a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title.
“Ravindra Jadeja has the talent, but it’s still questionable against bowling of the highest caliber. Ravindra Jadeja will fit into any starting lineup given his contributions, but India will be pleased if he is in strong-hitting form. Good batting form and good hitting form are very different from one another, Gambhir added.
Gambhir highlighted the absence of the ability to form partnerships down the order during the Asia Cup 2023 for India. Jadeja’s performance was less than stellar, managing to score just 25 runs in three innings during the tournament.
“You can enter and persevere, you can create a partnership, but if you require 90 runs in the final 10 overs, you should be able to score 40 of those runs in that partnership. That was absent from this tournament in some way, “Gambhir concluded.