Jadeja needs to contribute more with bat: Dhoni

India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, on Wednesday, said Ravindra Jadeja has the potential to evolve into a genuine all-rounder but the youngster needs to contribute more with the bat.

India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, on Wednesday, said Ravindra Jadeja has the potential to evolve into a genuine all-rounder but the youngster needs to contribute more with the bat.

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Jadeja, who was dismissed for a first-ball duck in last night's league match against Sri Lanka, has mostly contributed with the ball. But Dhoni wants him to show some spark with the bat as well as he feels Jadeja was picked primarily as a batting all-rounder.

"Jadeja needs to contribute more with bat. When he came into the team he was more of a batsman who could bowl. But now he has turned into more of a specialist bowler. He bowls at the death, he bowls in the power plays. So, I think he is the best potential we can turn into an all-rounder," Dhoni said ahead of Thursday's final in which India play Sri Lanka.

The wicketkeeper-batsman said not having an in-form all-rounder was a concern. "The lack of an all-rounder is a big concern. If you want to play with five bowlers then one or two of them need to bat. Jadeja has got the potential. He has done well in the IPL and domestic games. Now, he has got fair amount of chances in international level also and we are hoping that he clicks," Dhoni said.

"He has done well in the bowling department and can even be called a specialist bowler. We hope that he stands out with his batting performance because he is the kind of guy who can give you stability at number six or seven. There are not many players that you can fill the spot right now," he added.