BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar broke his silence on star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s absence from squads against Afghanistan. The Men in Blue will host their neighbours in a one-off Test in Mullanpur starting on June 6. It will be followed by a three-ODI series starting on June 14 in three cities, Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai. The BCCI released India’s squads for both the Test and the ODI series, and while several emerging stars received their maiden India call-ups, a few big names were dropped.

One such star who was not included in either of the squads was veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The star cricketer who has represented India in 89 Tests and 210 ODIs, last played for the side in Test against South Africa in November last year as well as against New Zealand in the ODI series this year. Needless to say, his omission from both the squads has raised eyebrows, and fans questioned the selection committee’s intention behind the same.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar provides clarity on Ravindra Jadeja’s omission

Ajit Agarkar revealed that Jadeja’s omission from the squad is not a door-closing decision. According to him, the selectors have decided to rest Jadeja keeping the 2027 World Cup in mind. Not only this, but he also clarified that Jadeja is a firm part of India’s plans, especially in the unlimited over format.

“He is still an integral part of the team,” Agarkar told the media. “With regards to ODIs, with 15-16 months left, we want to try and assess what our options are keeping in mind conditions in South Africa are. We know what Jadeja and Axar can do,” he added.

This gives a clarity on why both Jadeja and Axar Patel are missing from the ODI squad. As it is known that they are India’s two best names for left-arm spin, lower-order batting with ample experience in fielding value and experience. With them currently out of the teams, it would allow the selectors to look at and try different combinations. For all-round options, the BCCI has picked names like Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hardik Pandya, and Harsh Dubey in the ODI squad.