India's preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy this month are approaching their final phase, with a three-match ODI series against England serving as a precursor to the tournament set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE. As India embarks on its first set of ODIs for the new year, the team aims to establish the optimal combination in pursuit of victory in the upcoming competition.

In light of this, former international cricketer and Chennai Super Kings player Subramaniam Badrinath expressed some surprise regarding the selection of one of his former teammates for both this series and the Champions Trophy. Given India's inclination towards a spin-heavy strategy in white-ball formats under Gautam Gambhir, Badrinath questioned the potential role of Ravindra Jadeja.

"There are several positions that present a bit of a challenge," Badrinath remarked during a preview segment for Star Sports prior to the first ODI against England. "I must admit I am surprised that Ravindra Jadeja has been included in the squad. I did not anticipate his selection due to the limited opportunity for him in the playing XI."

Jadeja is expected to compete for a position primarily against Axar Patel, who has demonstrated greater reliability as a white-ball player in recent months compared to his more experienced counterpart. Although Jadeja performed well in the recent Ranji Trophy, taking 12 wickets against Delhi, it remains uncertain who Gambhir favors as the primary spin-bowling all-rounder.

"Why would you include a player in the squad who may not actually play in the XI? That presents a bit of a dilemma," Badrinath added.

‘Rohit likes him, has been backing…’

India's spin department is expected to consist of three players selected from a five-member group of spinners, which includes Jadeja, Axar, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and the recently added Varun Chakravarthy.

Badrinath has expressed confidence in Kuldeep Yadav's ability to lead the bowling attack upon his return from injury. "Rohit has a strong preference for him. Since assuming the captaincy, Rohit has been a staunch supporter of Kuldeep Yadav. He performs the roles that the other spinners do not," the former CSK player elaborated.

"He exhibits courage and is the most reliable choice during the middle overs. We have observed that many foreign teams struggle to decipher a bowler like Kuldeep Yadav," he added. Kuldeep played a crucial role in India's journey to the ODI World Cup final in 2023, as well as in their T20 World Cup victory in 2024.

The series between India and England will commence with the first match taking place at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on February 6.

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