“He was not hitting with an open heart” - Abhishek Nayar’s blunt statement on Team India veteran ahead of IND vs SA 2025 3rd ODI

Former batter Abhishek Nayar made a blunt statement on veteran Team India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the third ODI against South Africa. The match will be played on Saturday, December 6, at Visakhapatnam.

In the previous game, Ravindra Jadeja struggled to score freely and at a quick pace while batting in the final overs. Abhishek Nayar expressed his wish to witness Jadeja's power hitting in the final ODI of the series. He reckoned that while the veteran could hit big, he was not playing his shots with an open heart. Nayar reflected that it could perhaps be because there was not much batting left after Jadeja, with Harshit Rana coming in at number eight.

However, Abhishek Nayar stated that he would like to see Jadeja batting with more freedom at the backend of the innings.

"The one thing I would want to see is Ravindra Jadeja's power hitting. He has that ability and he even showed it in the IPL , he was able to hit even in the final. The one thing lacking was his range in front of the wicket. When mid-off and mid-on were up he played inside out. But he was not hitting with an open heart. Maybe he feels there are no batters after him and Harshit is at eight this is why he has this thinking. But I would want to see that freedom with Jadeja, specially in the last three overs," he said on JioStar.

Batting first, India made 358/5 in the second ODI. South Africa chased the target down with four wickets to spare. Jadeja was criticised for his knock, as he remained unbeaten on 24 off 27 balls, hitting just two boundaries at a strike-rate of 88.89 in the final overs.

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Abhishek Nayar wants Ravindra Jadeja to take the 'hit out or get out' approach

Abhishek Nayar also added that he would want to see Ravindra Jadeja bat with an attacking mindset. He reflected that Jadeja tried to play the scoop and paddle shots in the last game and struggled as these were not his strengths. The former batter suggested the veteran to go straight and hit down the ground, which has been his strength as well.

"It has to be hit out or get out, that thinking and approach I would want to see. He was trying to scoop and paddle, which are not his strengths. He might not look strong but he can hit the ball a very long distance. If there is one change, I would want to see Ravindra Jadeja going downtown," he said.

South Africa levelled the series after their win in the previous game. Therefore, the third and final ODI will be the series decider. Having lost the Test series 0-2, India will not want to suffer a series defeat in the ODIs.