‘Ravindra Jadeja will have to contribute as a batter at No. 7’ – Gautam Gambhir’s warning to great all-rounder ahead of ODI World Cup 2023

Rohit Sharma and Co. have won the eighth title of the Asia Cup as they easily crushed Sri Lanka on September 17 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Notably, the Men in Blue have showcased their impactful performances at the marquee event. There were stunning centuries from batting stalwarts Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill, whereas magnificent spells came from Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya in the tournament. As India ticked all the boxes in the Asia Cup, the Men in Blue are gearing up to win the title of the ODI World Cup 2023.

Meanwhile, former India cricketer turned analyst Gautam Gambhir delivers a big warning to the Rohit Sharma side ahead of the big tournament, which is set to start on October 5. The former India opener feels star spinner Ravindra Jadeja may bowl 10 overs and is a good fielder, but he also needs to contribute from his bat in the lower order while batting at number 7. In addition, the well-renowed cricket commentator feels India can’t go with just six batters in the ODI World Cup.

Ravindra Jadeja will have to win matches with batting: Gautam Gambhir

“We know he (Jadeja) can bowl 10 overs on any given day on any surface. He is an amazing fielder but he will have to contribute better as a batter at No. 7 because you cannot go in with just six batters,” Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports.

The 2011 World Cup-winning star also has doubts about Ishan Kishan playing at number 5. Moreover, the LSG coach also says that great all-rounder Jadeja needs to win the matches when the team needs 80 to 90 runs in the 10 overs. “If Ishan Kishan plays at No. 5, there are question marks there as well. So Ravindra Jadeja will have to win matches with batting because you might have a situation where you need 80 or 90 runs in 10 overs and the No. 6 and No. 7 batters might be playing together,” he added further.