All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been a big match-winner for the Indian cricket team across all formats. Be it batting, bowling or fielding, Jadeja has always given his best to the Indian team. However, age is always a factor in cricket. Jadeja has turned 36 years old. He has already retired from T20Is, and perhaps, India should start preparing for a future without Jadeja in Tests as well.
It will be extremely difficult to replace an all-rounder like Jadeja, who can contribute equally to the batting and bowling departments. If the BCCI starts the process now, they will get the perfect replacement for Jadeja in the next two or three years.
There are some upcoming talents who the BCCI can groom to replace Ravindra Jadeja in the Indian Test cricket team.
1. Shams Mulani will be perfect replacement for Ravindra Jadeja
Like Jadeja, Mumbai’s all-rounder Shams Mulani is an all-rounder, who bowls left-arm spin and bats left-handed. He has close to 2,000 runs and more than 200 wickets to his name in first-class cricket. Having done so well for Mumbai, Mulani deserves an opportunity to play international cricket for the Indian team now.
2. Shahbaz Ahmed
Another all-rounder possessing similar skills as Jadeja is Shahbaz Ahmed. The left-arm spin bowling all-rounder has the temperament to succeed in Test cricket for India. Besides, he has also received the exposure of playing at the grand stage of IPL as well as white-ball matches for India.
3. Saurabh Kumar
Saurabh Kumar is an uncapped left-arm spinner, but he has made it to the Indian squad on a couple of occasions. He has never been a part of the Indian Test playing XI though. Considering that Saurabh has been in the eyes of the selectors, he is likely to receive an opportunity to play whenever the door opens. The team management should test him in a future home series.
