World Cup 2019: Two forced changes that India could make against Afghanistan

Ravindra Jadeja in place of Kedar Jadhav

Ravindra Jadeja - An utility cricketer who could contribute to all facets of the game

Without upsetting the bowling strength much, the late-order can be strengthened by the inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja in place of one of the wrist-spinners. The only other option to accommodate Jadeja is to leave out Kedar Jadhav. However, that would not serve the purpose and would weaken the batting substantially. Besides, too many bowling options would be too confusing for the captain to deploy. Playing 3 spinners against 3 Asian teams would defy logic.

The presence of Jadeja at No 8 at the cost of one of the wrist-spinners would prompt the Indian top order to go on an all-out attack from the word go. Jadeja is an economical bowler and a better batsman than Vijay Shankar at the death. He is a left-hander who can be sent up the order to upset the rhythm of the bowlers. In the present squad, after Shami, Jadeja is the second highest wicket-taker for India in World Cups.

What's more, by including Jadeja in the playing XI, India will have the luxury of fielding 3 all-rounders of a different calibre. The absence of one wrist-spinner might affect India’s wicket-taking abilities in the middle overs. But that could be overcome to a certain extent by the presence of Mohammed Shami.