The strained dynamic between Sanjay Manjrekar and Ravindra Jadeja is well known. Over the years, Manjrekar has been openly critical of the star all-rounder, and Jadeja has responded in his own sharp style.

Naturally, any fresh comment from Manjrekar on Jadeja grabs attention—and ahead of the Test series against England, the former India batter has once again raised concerns about Jadeja’s effectiveness, particularly in English conditions.

What Did Manjrekar Say?

In a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Manjrekar pointed out Jadeja’s struggles against English batters.

“Jadeja’s ineffectiveness is going to create problems. Ineffectiveness against the English batters, in the way they play him and played him in India,” he said.

Manjrekar also recommended pairing Jadeja with Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI to bring variety to India’s spin attack. He further noted that Jadeja did not look in great rhythm during India’s last tour of England, where he managed 19 wickets in five Tests.

“So, you might just feel that you need some more spin support, but it’s unimaginable, in England, first Test, to go with Kuldeep Yadav.

But Kuldeep Yadav is such a tempting option and that is where I think with Gautam Gambhir, somebody who’ll not go by the book, who knows India might want to have both Jadeja and Kuldeep in their team," Manjrekar added.

Jadeja's Test record in England remains modest. He has taken just 21 wickets in 21 innings there—an average return for a frontline spinner. While he brings considerable experience, his overseas numbers (80 wickets in 49 innings from 30 Tests) pale in comparison to his home record, where he has claimed 238 wickets in 97 innings.

Adding to the concern is Jadeja’s recent dip in form with both bat and ball. However, as the most experienced player in India’s squad for the England tour, the team will be counting on him to deliver when it matters most.

Adding to the concern is Jadeja’s recent dip in form with both bat and ball. However, as the most experienced player in India’s squad for the England tour, the team will be counting on him to deliver when it matters most.