Despite their strong performances in the 2025 Champions Trophy, Ravindra Jadeja and Varun Chakaravarthy were not retained in India’s ODI selection for the impending trip of Australia. While Jadeja performed admirably in the final, Chakaravarthy finished with nine wickets from three games.
India has named spin-bowling all-rounders Washington Sundar and Axar Patel to the squad for the three-match series, which begins on October 19 in Perth.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes Sundar and Patel are stronger batters in ODI cricket than Jadeja and that the management expects them to play important roles in the 2027 World Cup.
“Jadeja’s performance was good in the Champions Trophy final. Rohit has only lost his captaincy, but he has lost his place in the team. The reason given is that there was no place for too many spinners. But Varun Chakaravarthy is also not there. He played the Champions Trophy final,” Chopra said during a discussion on his YouTube channel.
“Washington Sundar was not even in the team [playing XI]. He has been picked, so Washington Sundar has become your three-format player. Shubman Gill, Axar Patel and Harshit Rana are the other all-format players. I think this is preparation for the World Cup. Washi and Axar could be there. Both are better batters in the format. Jadeja may come back, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t,” the 48-year-old added.
Shubman Gill appointed as ODI captain
It has been a great year for Shubman Gill, who was recently appointed as the Test captain ahead of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Before the Asia Cup, he replaced Axar Patel as the vice-captain in T20Is. On Saturday, October 4, the Punjab batter was announced as India’s new ODI skipper, replacing the legendary Rohit Sharma.
Virat Kohli and Rohit will be making their returns to international cricket during the tour of Australia. Their last appearance in international cricket was the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March.
India
