Guwahati: Ravindra Jadeja remains part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule indicating that the veteran all-rounder will continue to be assessed alongside Axar Patel ahead of next year’s tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Jadeja returned to India’s ODI side for the ongoing three-match series against West Indies after missing the previous ODI assignments against Afghanistan and England. His comeback has prompted renewed discussion over his place in India’s World Cup plans, but Bahutule said the 37-year-old’s experience and ability to contribute with both bat and ball continue to make him a useful option.

Jadeja went wicketless in the opening ODI against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram, conceding 54 runs in his 10 overs. However, the coaching staff continue to view him as a player who can provide value in multiple areas.

Bahutule backs Jadeja’s all-round utility

Speaking ahead of the second ODI in Guwahati, Bahutule described Jadeja as a “utility player” and highlighted the different ways in which he can contribute to the team.

The spin-bowling coach said Jadeja had improved as a bowler over the previous six months and pointed to his performances in Test cricket in Sri Lanka as well as his return to the ODI side against West Indies.

Jadeja’s ability to contribute with the bat is another factor being considered. His experience in international cricket, particularly in major tournaments, gives the team management another option when deciding combinations for the 2027 World Cup.

Bahutule also indicated that the team would continue evaluating Jadeja and Axar Patel during the upcoming series and tournaments before making decisions about the final World Cup combination.

Jadeja competing with Axar Patel

The presence of Axar Patel means India have two experienced left-arm spin-bowling all-rounders competing for roles in the ODI setup.

Rather than making an immediate decision, the team management intends to assess both players across the matches leading into the World Cup. Bahutule said the utility of the two players would be evaluated depending on their performances and the conditions India encounter in upcoming assignments.

The South African conditions will also be an important consideration. The 2027 World Cup will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, meaning India’s management will need to build combinations capable of adapting to different pitches and match situations.

The ICC has also highlighted Jadeja’s potential value in India’s World Cup planning. India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak recently said the left-arm spinner could play an important role at the tournament, particularly because a controlled spin option can be useful even in conditions traditionally associated with pace and bounce.

Jadeja’s return after ODI absence

Jadeja returned to India’s ODI squad after being left out of the previous series against Afghanistan and England.

His return came after a period in which his position in India’s 50-over plans had become less certain. The selectors and team management are using the current West Indies series, along with future assignments, to assess different combinations before the World Cup.

The first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram provided Jadeja with an opportunity to return to international 50-over cricket, although he did not take a wicket and conceded more than five runs an over.

For the coaching staff, however, one match is unlikely to determine his World Cup prospects. Bahutule’s comments suggest that the management will look at his overall contribution and how he fits into different combinations.

India using West Indies series as World Cup preparation

The three-match ODI series against West Indies is part of India’s longer preparation for the 2027 World Cup.

Earlier, bowling coach Morne Morkel said the preparation process had effectively begun with the West Indies series and that players needed to establish the standards required for the World Cup well in advance.

The management is also giving opportunities to players competing for places in the bowling group. Morkel has stressed the importance of providing second-line bowlers with match experience so that India can build sufficient depth before the tournament.

That approach means experienced players such as Jadeja are being assessed alongside younger alternatives rather than being automatically guaranteed a place.

Experience remains an important factor

Jadeja’s experience remains one of his principal advantages.

The all-rounder has played across multiple World Cups and major international tournaments and has experience of contributing in all three departments. His left-arm spin provides control in the middle overs, while his batting can add depth to the lower-middle order.

His fielding is another established strength, giving India an additional dimension when selecting the playing XI.

However, the final decision will depend on performances and team requirements during the period leading up to the World Cup. Bahutule’s comments make clear that Jadeja is still being assessed rather than having a guaranteed place in the final squad.

More assessments before the World Cup

With more than a year of preparation still available, India are expected to continue experimenting with combinations.

Jadeja and Axar will remain part of that assessment, while other spin options could also enter the discussion depending on form, fitness and conditions.

The management will also have to determine whether India require one specialist left-arm spinner or whether there is room for both Jadeja and Axar in the same XI.

For Jadeja, the immediate priority is therefore to make the most of the opportunities that come his way during the ODI build-up. His batting, bowling and fielding continue to give him multiple avenues to contribute, while his experience remains an important consideration for a World Cup squad.

The final squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup is still some distance away, but Bahutule’s comments confirm that Jadeja has not been ruled out of India’s plans. His performances in the coming series and tournaments will form part of the evidence used by the team management when settling the final combination.