India’s top all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who withdrew from the Asia Cup last September due to right knee surgery, will return for the final round against Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy in Saurashtra in Chennai on January 24.
The 34-year-old, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, has been named in the 17-man squad for the first two Tests of the highly anticipated four-match series against Australia, which is scheduled for February at Nagpur started 9.
However, his availability depends on fitness, as Jadeja is likely to get a call during the four-day tournament.
“It would be good if he plays for Saurashtra. He might, but I don’t have any further details,” Saurashtra Cricket Association president Jaydev Shah told PTI.
Jadeja has not played any competitive cricket since August 31 against Hong Kong’s T20I in the Asian Cup, and his last first-class match was a rescheduled against England at Edgbaston last July a one-time test.
Jadeja has reportedly started bowling and batting from earlier this week as he wraps up his rehab in the NCA. The left-handed batsman is seen as an important addition to India’s lineup, especially in the absence of Rishabh Pant, who is a fifth or sixth in the middle.
His left-arm spin could also come in handy with ace off-set Ravi Chandran Ashwin in the four-match series that will seal India’s fate for consecutive World Test Championship finals.
In the 2016-17 series against Australia, Jadeja played a key role and was named the series man of the match with 25 wickets and 127 runs as India came from behind to seal a memorable 2-1 victory.
Jadeja has 82 wickets at 21.46, including three fives, while since 2017 he has amassed 898 runs in 19 Tests (52.82 average) along with two centuries and seven fifties.
