Ravindra Jadeja faces a critical juncture in his ODI career following an underwhelming series against New Zealand, prompting questions about his place in the Indian squad. The veteran all-rounder's recent performances have come under scrutiny, particularly his lack of wickets and inability to accelerate the scoring rate in the lower order. This has led to comparisons with younger, in-form players like Axar Patel, intensifying the competition for the coveted all-rounder slot.
In the recent ODI series against New Zealand, Jadeja struggled to make an impact with either bat or ball. He managed to score just 31 runs in the first two matches and remained wicketless across all three games, conceding 141 runs at an economy rate exceeding six runs per over. This performance is part of a larger trend, as Jadeja has struggled to consistently deliver with the ball since the home series against South Africa. Since 2025, he has picked up only 12 wickets in 13 matches, averaging over 45 runs per wicket. With the bat, his inability to provide the late-innings surge has also been a concern.
The emergence of Axar Patel as a reliable all-rounder has further complicated Jadeja's situation. Patel has showcased his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, offering a compelling alternative. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Axar currently offers more in white-ball cricket, both as a batter and a bowler, highlighting Axar's superior strike rate, six-hitting ability, and effectiveness in the powerplay overs. Patel's recent form and consistent performances have put pressure on Jadeja, making the competition for the all-rounder's spot increasingly fierce.
Despite the criticism, Jadeja remains a highly respected and experienced player in the Indian setup. He has a strong ODI record against New Zealand, with an excellent average of 41.7 and a consistent strike rate close to 100. Jadeja's athleticism and fielding prowess are also valuable assets to the team, as demonstrated by his stunning catch in the third ODI against New Zealand. Furthermore, skipper Shubman Gill has defended Jadeja, pointing out that he looked in good touch with the bat and that the team's batting unit as a whole failed to convert starts.
Looking ahead, the Indian selectors face a challenging decision regarding Jadeja's future in the ODI side. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, they must weigh Jadeja's experience and past contributions against the potential of younger players like Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. While Jadeja's experience and skills remain valuable, his recent form has raised concerns about his ability to consistently perform at the highest level. As India seeks to build a team for the future, the selectors may be inclined to give more opportunities to younger all-rounders who can provide the dynamism and versatility required in modern ODI cricket. It remains to be seen whether Jadeja can rediscover his form and cement his place in the team, or if the selectors will opt for a fresh approach with Axar Patel or another emerging talent.
