Ravindra Jadeja has been India’s first-choice ODI spin bowling all rounder for years. But after Axar Patel’s impressive performance in the first ODI against England, a new debate has started. Is Team India now looking beyond the Jadeja?
Axar stepped up when India needed him the most, scoring an unbeaten half century before making an impact with the ball. It was the kind of all round performance that strengthens his claim for a bigger role in the ODI setup.
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be played in South Africa, where conditions are expected to favour fast bowlers more than spinners.
If India decides to play only one spin-bowling all rounder, every performance from now on could influence the selection race.
According to reports, the selectors and team management are planning for the future and could move on from Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
While no final decision has been made, the focus is reportedly shifting towards players who can be part of India’s next World Cup cycle.
Reports suggest Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are among the leading contenders, while youngster Harsh Dubey is also being monitored for the future. Kuldeep Yadav remains in contention as a specialist spinner, although his batting offers less depth than the all round options.
That naturally raises another question where does this leave Jadeja? He still brings valuable experience, but recent reports claim the team management is evaluating its long term plans in the ODI format.
With the World Cup still some distance away, the selectors have enough time to test different combinations. Axar has now given them something serious to think about.
One outstanding performance will not decide anyone’s future, but it has certainly made the race for India’s spin bowling all rounder’s spot much more interesting.
