It will be difficult for India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to return to international cricket, according to former India selector Saba Karim. The 33-year-old Jadeja was forced to withdraw from the Asia Cup after suffering a right knee injury in the middle of the competition. It is highly likely that the player won't be able to be fit in time for the T20 World Cup, which is set to be held in Australia in October and November even if he hasn't been officially ruled out of the competition.

In an interview with Sports18, Karim claimed that at this age, it is difficult to regain rhythm after an injury. “It's a tough phase for him because whenever he comes back, he has always done well and for him to get injured at such a critical juncture in his career is not so easy," Karim said on Sports18.

"But one has to give credit to Jadeja, that whenever he has come back from injury, even though he doesn't get too much of game time, but immediately he gets into his rhythm and that is not so easy. But he's naturally such a gifted player that it’s so easy for him to come back. I remember I think some years ago he was not even trained the way the other cricketers were trained. But because he has been naturally so talented and so gifted and so fit, it's easy for him to come back," Karim explained Jadeja's natural ability.

The player's rehabilitation, according to the former selector, is extremely important and will prepare him for the future. He issued a warning to the supporters. 

"But I think with age, it may not be easy for him to do that. So I think he needs to go back and work on his rehab and then try and come back. But more importantly, I feel that it’s your mindset, the kind of preparation you do before you come back on the field after your injury,” the player said. India has been woeful since Jadeja's absence from the Indian team and at the moment is on the brink of getting knocked out of the Asia Cup. 

US Open 2022: Nick Kyrgios is eliminated by Karen Khachanov in the quarterfinals

Asia Cup 2022: Did India lose because of Bhuvneshwar? Captain Rohit said big thing about 'Bhuvi'

Sreejesh, Harmanpreet, Savita nominated for top FIH Star Awards