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Ashwin Urges Jadeja to "Experiment" Amid ODI Struggles, Axar Looms

Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly advised his long-time teammate Ravindra Jadeja to experiment more with his game, acknowledging this is a challenging period for the all-rounder. Jadeja's form in ODIs has dipped significantly since India's Champions Trophy win, with poor returns in both batting and bowling. Ashwin noted that Axar Patel is ready to seize Jadeja's spot if the slump continues, putting pressure on the veteran. He suggested the upcoming IPL could be a decisive platform for Jadeja to rediscover his form and prove his worth.

Key Points: Ashwin's Advice to Jadeja: Experiment Amid ODI Form Slump

  • Jadeja's prolonged ODI struggle post-Champions Trophy
  • Ashwin cites Axar Patel as immediate competition
  • Advice to experiment beyond core strengths
  • IPL performance seen as key to future selection
3 min read

Ashwin urges struggling Jadeja to "experiment", acknowledges its a "challenging time" for all-rounder

R Ashwin urges Ravindra Jadeja to experiment with his game, acknowledging a challenging period for the all-rounder as Axar Patel waits.

"He is a bona fide legend. He has nothing to lose, so I would like to see him experiment. - Ravichandran Ashwin"

Chennai, January 19

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin urged his long-time partner in spin, Ravindra Jadeja to experiment instead of just sticking to his strengths, acknowledging that these are challenging times for the legendary spin bowling all-rounder in ODIs, with Axar Patel ready to take his spot in case of a major slip.

Jadeja's struggles after the Champions Trophy 2025 continued as he registered yet another poor outing with both bat and ball during the final ODI against New Zealand at Indore, conceding 41 runs in six overs while bowling without a wicket, and scoring a sluggish 12-ball 16.

Since the ICC Champions Trophy title win last year, Jadeja has endured a rough patch with just one wicket in six ODIs at an average of 298 and an economy rate of 6.2. With the bat, he has made 99 runs in five innings at an average of 24.75 with a best score of 32, but his strike rate has dipped to 88.39, which is not a great number for someone assigned a role of finishing things well for his team with a bat in hand.

Speaking during 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin said, "See, it is a very challenging time for Jadeja. We all know that Axar Patel is right back on his heels. The fact is that Jadeja has done well in ODIs; he is also playing the Test format." But it is not easy for Jadeja because it is more about his batting. There are talks emerging about his low strike rate against spinners. This is way too early to talk on anybody's cricket or future," he added.

Ashwin said that Jadeja will be playing in the IPL, and the performances there could lead to a decision, but it is too early to judge Jadeja's performances.

"We have the T20 World Cup and the IPL after this. Remember that Jadeja will play the IPL. The performances there will lead to a decision. It is too early to make a decision on anybody," he said.

He also pointed out that Jadeja's strengths are so strong that they turn into his weaknesses as he refuses to "flirt with new things". He urged him to "experiment" more, noting that he has "nothing to lose" as a legend in the sport.

"Jadeja's strength sometimes turns into his weakness. I sometimes get jealous. The kind of ability he has skills in batting, bowling and fielding. But he does not do one thing? He never goes out of his strengths. He has never really flirted with new things," said Ashwin.

"He is a bona fide legend. He has nothing to lose, so I would like to see him experiment. I have seen him bowling carrom ball in the net practice, but he has never done so in a match. Would love to see him get a bit funky," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's a bit harsh to judge him on a few matches. He has won us so many games single-handedly! Every player goes through a rough patch. Let's support our champion instead of talking about his replacement. 💙
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Aman W
The stats don't lie. An average of 298 with the ball is alarming. Ashwin's advice is coming from a place of respect and experience. Experiment in the IPL, Sir Jadeja! Show us the carrom ball in a match. What's there to lose now?
S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective from Ashwin. It's true that sometimes your greatest strength can become a weakness if you're not willing to adapt. Jadeja's fielding alone keeps him in contention, but he needs to contribute more with bat and ball to justify his place with Axar in form.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the management also needs to be clear about his role. Is he a bowler who bats or a batsman who bowls? His strike rate of 88 is not acceptable for a number 7. Maybe he should bat higher up the order if they want him to play anchor.
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Nisha Z
True legend! But even Sachin had slumps. The IPL will be his comeback platform. CSK will know how to get the best out of him. Don't write him off yet. 🦁

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