Ravindra Jadeja suffered an upper-body injury while fielding in the game against Royal Challengers Bangalore. This ruled him out of the IPL 2022 game against Delhi Capitals. Now, it is reported that Jaddu might miss the remaining games of the campaign due to the injury. Team India will play five T20Is against South Africa between 9th June and 19th June at home. If the premier all-rounder is not available, the management might have to look for suitable replacements. In this article, we take a look at three players who might replace Ravindra Jadeja for the SA T20I series if he is not available.
1) Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya has been in excellent form in IPL 2022. He has taken nine wickets so far but has produced plenty of economical spells throughout the season. Krunal has also contributed with the bat whenever possible. In terms of attitude, too, there is a stark change in Krunal’s approach.
All these factors could enable Krunal to get a spot in the Indian Team. Krunal is an experienced all-rounder and his presence will be of use in Ravindra Jadeja’s absence.
2) Axar Patel
Axar Patel is one of the players who might replace Ravindra Jadeja for the SA T20I series if he is not available. Although Axar did not enjoy a great start to IPL 2022, he has come back to form with good bowling despite his wickets column remaining dry.
Axar has anyways been Jaddu’s like-to-like replacement for Team India in recent months. Therefore, if the CSK cricketer cannot play in the upcoming series, Axar can be one of the names included in the team.
3) Shahbaz Ahmed
If the management wants to try a new option with the long-term picture in mind, they could give a chance to Shahbaz Ahmed. A few months ago, before IPL 2022, Shahbaz was asked to attend a mandatory fitness test by BCCI in NCA. This means that the West Bengal all-rounder is in the plans of the management.
He has done himself good with his performances for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Especially with the bat, the cricketer has often pulled his team out of the hole with valuable cameos. Although he has been expensive with the ball, he has managed to collect important wickets. He is a good fielder and this might also work in his favour.
