**Here’s Why Ravindra Jadeja Was Not Picked for Australia’s ODI Series**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 04, 2025, 04:32 pm*
Ravindra Jadeja’s absence from India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia has raised many eyebrows. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that the decision was purely tactical and not a reflection of Jadeja’s form or future with the team.
The three-match ODI series, starting on October 19, will be led by Shubman Gill. Here’s a closer look at the reasons behind Jadeja’s omission and what it means for the team.
### Tactical Decision: Team Balance and Conditions
Agarkar explained that Jadeja’s exclusion was due to team balance and the specific conditions expected in Australia. He said, “Right now, we could only take one left-arm spinner for the Australia series. It wasn’t possible to fit in two.”
The management opted for Axar Patel as the left-arm spin option, valuing his batting depth alongside the wrist-spin variation offered by Kuldeep Yadav. Off-spinning all-rounder Washington Sundar has also been included in the squad to add versatility.
### Future Prospects: Jadeja Still Part of India’s Long-Term Plans
Agarkar emphasized that Jadeja remains a vital part of India’s future plans, including the 2027 ODI World Cup. He stated, “Jadeja’s quality is unquestioned. He’s very much part of our plans going forward. He’s clearly in the scheme of things because of how good he is and what he offers us as a batter and a bowler, but particularly in the field as well.”
He added, “So, yeah, it’s just a three-match, short series.”
### Performance Review: Jadeja’s Recent Form Across Formats
Jadeja has been in excellent form recently. In the first Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad, he scored a century and took a four-wicket haul, showcasing his all-round capabilities.
Despite missing the upcoming Australia tour, Agarkar assured that Jadeja remains very much in India’s ODI plans with a long-term view, especially considering the 2027 ODI World Cup.
### Jadeja’s ODI Career Stats
– **Matches:** 204 ODIs
– **Wickets:** 231 wickets at an average of 35.41
– **Five-wicket hauls:** 2
– **Economy rate:** 4.85
With the bat, Jadeja has scored 2,806 runs at an average of 32.62, including 13 fifties.
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In summary, Ravindra Jadeja’s omission from the Australia ODI squad is a tactical decision based on team composition and playing conditions. It does not diminish his value or future role in the Indian team. Fans can expect to see him continue as a pivotal player in upcoming series and major tournaments.
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