Cricket News: The curious case of Ravindra Jadeja's injury? 

In the crucial tournament at such a critical stage, Indian star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja got ruled out of the remaining Asia Cup matches and T20 World Cup. The absence of an experienced middle-order player like him disrupts the team's composition. It puts selectors again in a slumpy position to find suitable replacements just a month before the mega tournament.  

The injury to Ravindra Jadeja invited a lot of criticism as he got injured while doing an adventurous activity near the hotel where the team stayed during the Asia Cup. He twisted his knee while skiboarding and consequently had to undergo immediate surgery, ruling him out of action for months to come.  

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag also said, "India's problems have been injuries that didn't happen on the cricket field. No one is addressing that. We didn't see Jadeja getting injured on a cricket field. After the match, we came to know that he has an injury. That means the things that are happening outside or in the gym need to be addressed."

Knowing the importance of players like him in international events, BCCI expressed their anguish by calling it a freakish injury. This is because any player bound by the central contract is forbidden to indulge in any such adventurous activity during the series. 

A source said, "We are not happy with Jadeja's injury. He should have kept the World Cup in mind while doing adventurous activities. But he was not responsible and did not think that the World Cup is on the way. We are not happy with this action on Jadeja."

The year 2022 has not been ideal for Ravindra Jadeja in terms of injuries. Earlier, also he got ruled out from crucial tournaments due to knee and rib injuries. Given his recent dynamism with bat and ball on the field and the kind of cunning fielder he is, he will be missed in the World Cup. 

As far as his comeback is concerned, a senior BCCI official said, "Jadeja's right knee injury is pretty serious. He will be out of action for an indefinite period. At this point, if one goes by the assessment of the NCA's medical team, one can't put a timeline on his imminent international comeback."

Will it cost India a T20 World Cup?

Jadeja's absence will hurt India's chances in the T20 World Cup. He is one of the best match-winning all-rounders in modern-day cricket. Besides being a spinner, he adds depth to the batting line-up, and his on-field presence enhances the team's fielding. 

India lacks a specialist who can be an ideal replacement for Ravindra Jadeja. A character who can confidently bat in middle or death overs and take wickets. His absence may affect the team's rhythm. But given the situation, it will be a massive opportunity for Axar Patel and Deepak Hooda to play the role and prove their worth on an international platform.