Aakash Chopra, a former India opener, said on Wednesday that the return of Ravindra Jadeja is a good sign for India ahead of this month’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Jadeja, who injured his knee last year during the Asia Cup, played for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy match. In Tamil Nadu’s second innings, the southpaw made his return to competitive cricket official by taking seven wickets.

Jadeja has been included in India’s squad for the first two Test matches against Australia, and the BCCI’s note stated that he must demonstrate his match fitness prior to the series

Chopra, who is well-known for his outspoken opinions regarding cricket, suggested that Jadeja getting fit in time is very important for the hosts in light of Rishabh Pant’s absence and uncertainty regarding Shreyas Iyer’s fitness.

“Ravindra Jadeja is available. He recently played one Ranji Trophy match, where he also took a lot of wickets. He is already a part of the Indian team’s camp. Jadeja being fit is really important for India, and I’ll tell you why because Rishabh Pant is not there, and Shreyas Iyer may not be either,”

Aakash Chopra said on JioCinema’s new daily sports show ‘#AAKASHVANI.

Due to a back injury, Iyer, who was in phenomenal form with the bat last year, did not play in the New Zealand series. According to a number of reports, Iyer won’t be able to recover in time for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Nagpur.

#TeamIndia have begun their preparations for the Border Gavaskar Trophy ahead of the 1st Test in Nagpur.#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/21NlHzLwGA

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 3, 2023

If Iyer is unable to play because of an injury, Chopra stated that Suryakumar Yadav will likely make his Test debut in Nagpur. Additionally, he suggested that India would need Jadeja in the lower-middle order in such a scenario.

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“Iyer has a hamstring or back injury from which he has not fully recovered. So, if he is not available, we might also see Surya in the starting lineup. Also, Hanuma Vihari, who is not even a part of the team. So without Jaddu, the batting becomes very weak. Jadeja being fit and Shreyas Iyer being unfit is big news for India,”

Chopra added.