Ahead of India’s last group match in ICC World Cup 2019 against Sri Lanka, former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin came up with solution for India’s middle-order problems in the ongoing world event. Azhar suggested the inclusion of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to strengthen India’s batting line-up, which has been found wanting after the dismissal of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Azhar believed the inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja will add muscle to the team’s faltering middle-order.

Virat Kohli’s India have already booked their spot in the final four and will aim for a top spot to play the fourth-ranked side in the semi-finals when they take on Sri Lanka on Saturday at Headingley, Leeds but despite winning 6 of their 8 matches – one ended in a no result there has been lot of questions over India’s middle order. India’s batsmen have been criticised for losing momentum after the fall of their powerful top-order, which includes in-form opener Rohit Sharma and Kohli.

Azhar suggested that Jadeja, who is yet to feature at the World Cup, would be a useful addition with his left-arm spin and powerful batting.

“Jadeja on these wickets with the ball holding up and not coming on to the bat will be a force to reckon with. He is also a good fielder and a lusty batsman. They should try him against Sri Lanka.”

Veteran big-hitter MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav have twice faced flak from pundits and on social media for not accelerating the score in the final few overs.“Definitely the middle order has not done well. You need to be prepared because sometimes the three wickets fall early,” said Azhar, a stylish middle-order batsman known for his wristy strokeplay.

“Rishabh Pant coming back has given the team some stability. But still, a lot was expected from Kedar Jadhav but he has not delivered.

“Sometimes you have to get on with the game,” he said. “If you lose your wicket it’s fine but you have to score runs.
Azhar hailed India’s bowling line-up led by paceman Jasprit Bumrah.

“The bowling has been exceptional. They have bowled according to the wickets,” said Azhar.“Pitches haven’t been exactly free-flowing for batting. The tracks are not quick as you expect them. The ball is not coming onto the bat.”