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Axar Patel over Jadeja for Australia ODIs: Analysing why India's decision absolutely makes sense

Rajgeeta Yadav

Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja [Source: AFP]Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja [Source: AFP]

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced India’s squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia. Shubman Gill was named captain for the three-match ODI series, replacing Rohit Sharma. The series begins on October 19 in Perth and will also see the return of big names like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to international action after a break following the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.

But what caught everyone’s attention was the absence of star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja from the ODI squad. Instead, the selectors chose Axar Patel, another left-arm spinning all-rounder. This move sparked debate among fans and experts: Was it fair to drop Jadeja for Axar? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Axar Patel Matches India’s New Approach

Under coach Gautam Gambhir, India’s ODI team seems to be focusing on aggression and versatility. They want players who can contribute in multiple areas, someone who can bat aggressively down the order and bowl economically. Axar Patel fits this mould perfectly. 

Axar has been in great form in white-ball cricket. He is known for playing fearless cricket, especially against spin. 

Criteria
Stats
Innings29
Runs438
SR95.2
Avg33.7

[Axar Patel's stats against spin]

  • In his 29 ODIs so far, Axar has scored 438 runs at a strike rate of 95.2, showing that he can accelerate the innings against spin bowling when needed. His ability to take on spinners and score quickly gives India flexibility in the middle order.

Ravindra Jadeja, on the other hand, has been more of a steady and controlled batter. 

Criteria
Stats
Innings95
Runs912
SR71.7
Avg43.4

[Ravindra Jadeja's stats against spin]

  • In 95 ODIs, he has scored 912 runs at a strike rate of 71.7. While Jadeja brings experience and calmness, he hasn’t been as explosive with the bat against spin, something India clearly values in modern day limited-overs format.

Axar Patel's recent performance strengthens his case

Axar Patel’s recent performances have strengthened his case. In the T20 World Cup 2024 final and the Champions Trophy earlier this year, Axar played crucial knocks under pressure.

  •  He has shown that he can adapt to different situations, whether it’s stabilising an innings or accelerating towards the end. Promoted up the order to No. 5 or 6 in recent games, Axar has consistently delivered with the bat, proving he’s not just a lower-order hitter.

Jadeja, meanwhile, has seen a dip in form. While he remains a world-class fielder and reliable bowler, his batting hasn’t been as impactful lately. 

  • In ODIs, he often bats at No. 6 or 7, where India now wants a more aggressive player who can change the game in a few overs, a role Axar seems better suited for at the moment.
Criteria
Stats
Innings105
Runs2180
Avg31.6
SR83.5

[Ravindra Jadeja's batting position stats at no 6 and 7]

Another factor in the selection decision is the playing conditions in Australia, the pitches there are usually hard and offer less spin. That means India doesn’t need two left-arm spinners. The team already has Kuldeep Yadav for wrist-spin and Washington Sundar for off-spin, which covers the spin department well. In this scenario, Axar’s better batting form makes him a more balanced choice than Jadeja.

Moreover, Axar’s inclusion gives India extra batting depth. Having someone like him at No. 6 or 7 means the team can take more risks at the top, knowing there’s stability in the lower order.

While Jadeja’s record is impressive, over 2800 runs and 231 wickets in 204 ODIs, India’s focus now seems to be on building a younger, more aggressive team for the future. With the 2027 ODI World Cup 2027 in mind, selectors appear to be investing in players who can perform multiple roles and fit into an evolving team strategy.

Conclusion

Considering all factors, it seems fair that the selectors went with Axar Patel over Ravindra Jadeja for the ODI series against Australia. Notably, what Jadeja brings on the table is unmatched, but Axar brings the batting power and versatility that India currently needs.