‘Ye thora jyada nahi bol diya’ – Fans react as Kris Srikkanth hopes Ravindra Jadeja to do what Yuvraj Singh did for India in 2011 ODI World Cup

Former Indian Cricketer Kris Srikkanth made a big statement for the all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. Part of the 1983 World Cup winning team, Srikkanth believes that Jadeja and Axar Patel can play a similar role in the upcoming tournament as Yuvraj Singh played in India’s victorious campaign in 2011.

Notably, India last won a 50-over World Cup ten years ago under the captaincy of MS Dhoni when they hosted the tournament. Yuvraj Singh was one of the architects of India’s triumph and was also awarded Player of the Tournament for his all-round performances throughout the campaign. The left-hander amassed 362 runs with the bat and also scalped 15 wickets with the ball.

“In the 2011 World Cup, you saw a lot of all-rounders coming into play. We had a fantastic side, very well led by (MS) Dhoni, too, and that time we have Yuvraj Singh. I believe Ravindra Jadeja will do what Yuvraj Singh did in the 2011 World Cup. I believe Jadeja, the Axar Patels… these people will play a very crucial role if India has to win this 2023 World Cup,” Srikkanth told India Today.

Jadeja has been India’s, main man

Jadeja has been India’s one of the most valuable assets over the past few years. The all-rounder has produced so many match-winning performances for Men in Blue and has played 174 ODIs and scored 2526 runs at an average of 32.80 with 13 fifties to his name. He has also picked 191 wickets in the format at an average of 37.39.

Jadeja also helped India win the Champions Trophy in 2013 with his all-round skills. The 34-year-old was awarded Player of the Match in the final for his all-round show as he first scored 33* off 25 balls in the first innings and then picked 2/24 with the ball. He ended up as a leading wicket take of the tournament, with 12 wickets to his name in five matches.

The 2023 ODI World Cup is all set to kickstart with an opening match between the finalists of the previous edition, England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5th. Meanwhile, the hosts India will begin their campaign with a match against the five-time champions Australia in Chennai on October 8th.

Here’s how Twitter reacted: 

I love Jaddu to bits but there is no one like Yuvi. The guy can single handedly win you games from no where and he was a very handy spinner.
Dhoni, Kohli n now Rohit have failed to replace yuvi in the batting XI since 2011. That’s been the cause of India’s downfall in ICC comps

— Aswin Viswanathan (@CallMeAchu) June 29, 2023

In a historic feat, Ravindra Jadeja broke the record for the highest Test score by an Indian batting at number seven. His unbeaten 175*(228) against Sri Lanka in the first Test stands above Kapil Dev's 163. Jadeja's remarkable achievement will be remembered in cricketing history

— Cricket Tycoon (@CricketTycoon) June 29, 2023

At his best yuvraj was far bigger match winner than jaddu atleast on crucial icc knockout matches. Jaddu is best all rounder for us now and hope he makes me wrong.

— I V (@infvoy) June 29, 2023

Even I feel the same . Why can't jadeja be our no 4 for wc in the absence of sreyas Iyer .He is too good a batsmen to play at no 4 . He can bowl 10 overs too.
Gives the captain the freedom of having 6 bowling options easily

— Yashwanth (@bittuyash18) June 29, 2023

He also added KL Rahul is key in middle usually top order will choke in important matches….

— ⭐Boy…. (@CrazyMarvin17) June 29, 2023

Yuvi was a batting all-rounder whereas jaddu is more a bowling all-rounder. Jaddu has the potential to be the game changer for India if the wickets offer more spin than expected.

— Chetan Bhat (@chetdb) June 29, 2023

Yesss !! I really want to see someone repeat Yuvraj 's heroics…though it's tough but an all-round performance throughout the series…will matter the most

— … (@unstoppable720) June 29, 2023