India, Oct. 21 -- Ravindra Jadeja was left out of India's squad for the Australia tour, with the selectors opting to back Axar Patel and Washington Sundar as the preferred spin-bowling all-rounders for the three-match ODI series. Jadeja's absence raised eyebrows among fans, given his experience and match-winning ability in Australian conditions. Meanwhile, the snub also raised doubts over the team management plans for him regarding the 2027 ODI World Cup. The veteran all-rounder has been in excellent form in Test cricket, which still makes his case strong to make an ODI comeback.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has thrown his weight behind Jadeja and believes he remains a vital part of India's 2027 World Cup plans, praising his fitness, ...