India under Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma focused on building an extensive player pool. The duo’s focus was on having players match-ready as and when they get an opportunity. Owing to the pandemic and extensive cricketing action, players are subjected to breakdown. This prompted the team management to prioritize grooming like-to-like replacement players.
The Ravindra Jadeja factor:
Ahead of India’s T20 World Cup sojourn, they have suffered an injury blow in the form of Ravindra Jadeja. His absence effectively affects India in all three departments. Jadeja’s ever-troubling knee might need surgery. He has been ruled out for an indefinite period. India will be looking at strong reinforcements to replace the star all-rounder.
We look at 3 Players Who Could Replace Ravindra Jadeja:
#3 Axar Patel
He is one of the most improved cricketers in recent times. Axar Patel really came into his own as an India cricketer in 2021 when he made his Test debut against England. He has gone from strength to strength since then.
Patel is part of India’s squad across all formats. He made a telling contribution in the ODI series win against West Indies recently. Patel’s T20I stocks have also risen steadily. He is one of the frontrunners to replace Jadeja in the playing XI as he offers a similar skillset as Jadeja.
#2 Deepak Hooda
He was often spoken highly in the domestic circuit. Deepak Hooda’s hitting abilities had experts raving. But he failed to marry his ability with consistency. It was not until the IPL 2021 season that Hooda notched up scores consistently. He was duly rewarded with an India cap in the home season.
Hooda continued the good work in IPL 2022. His sizzling century against Ireland showed that he belongs at this level. Hooda can bowl a handy couple of overs. It is this factor that might tilt the balance in his favour.
#1 Rahul Tewatia
He was the toast of Gujarat Titans’ miracle IPL 2022 campaign. Rahul Tewatia finished off improbable games at an unbelievable consistency. He was unlucky to have missed out on tours to Ireland, West Indies, and Zimbabwe. But in the true pitches of Australia, Tewatia might find himself at home.
He has the winning mentality that has brought him this far. Tewatia could well be the surprise package for India if he gets selected for the T20 World Cup, 2022.
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