India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule on Tuesday said Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round skills and experience would keep him in contention for a place in India’s plans for next year’s World Cup, while the team would continue assessing his performance alongside that of Axar Patel.
“For me, he (Jadeja) has always been a utility player. He has definitely improved as a bowler over the last six months. I thought he bowled really well in the Tests in Sri Lanka and in the first ODI after a long period.
“With Axar also being around for the tournaments we’ll play in the coming time, we will be able to assess their performances – who can be of utility.
“But Jaddu, with his batting skills and the experience he brings, is definitely doing well and I’m sure he will be looked at in the coming time,” he said on the eve of India’s second ODI against West Indies here.
Bahutule praised Kuldeep Yadav, who was the Player-of-The-Match for his four for 40 in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram.
“Kuldeep has always been a match-winner for India. He’s performed exceedingly well, and his numbers show that. He works extremely hard at his game and is always looking to improve.
Recently, he had a county stint and bowled a lot of overs there. He comes into a series well-prepared.“He is a player every team would want to have because he is always lively on and off the field. His unique skills help us perform in any conditions, and being a left-arm wrist-spinner definitely adds value to the team,” he said.
