The ODI team for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka does not include Ravindra Jadeja, Team India's best spin-bowling all-rounder. Despite his consistent performances in the 50-over format, head coach Gautam Gambhir has chosen to select senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the tour to the island country.

Axar Patel and Washington Sundar will receive the most opportunities before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place in Pakistan from February to March, according to a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) source.

"There are only six ODIs, including the three in Sri Lanka, before next year's Champions Trophy. The selectors want to utilise the handful of games by giving more opportunities to Axar Patel and Washington Sundar," a BCCI source told Hindustan Times.

The source clarified that Jadeja's exclusion is not a reflection of his performance but a strategic decision to explore other options. "Nothing wrong with Jadeja's performance. The management just wants to look at other options as we have to build a team for the future," the source admitted.

Despite losing his ODI spot, Jadeja will remain an integral part of India's Test team as they aim for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final. "Jadeja is outstanding in Test cricket. His bowling in home conditions is unmatchable. He will be important for India's World Test Championship bid," the report said.