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Axar Patel's puzzling path: How India's most reliable all-rounder ended up at crossroads

Rajgeeta Yadav

Axar Patel has been snubbed from India's ODI squad vs South Africa [Source: AFP]Axar Patel has been snubbed from India's ODI squad vs South Africa [Source: AFP]

Axar Patel has long been regarded as one of India’s most reliable all-format all-rounders. For years, he has been seen as the natural successor to Ravindra Jadeja, offering similar value with left-arm spin and lower-order batting. 

However, despite consistent performances, Axar’s career trajectory has recently entered a confusing and uncertain phase. His omission from India’s ODI squad for the South Africa series has raised fresh questions about his long-term role in the national setup.

Consistent ODI performer, yet unexpectedly dropped

To begin with, Axar’s exclusion from the ODI squad appears particularly harsh. In fact, his numbers in the 50-over format reflect both reliability and impact. 

Across 71 ODIs, he has scored 858 runs and taken 75 wickets, returns that prove he delivers with both bat and ball, especially in high-pressure scenarios.

Moreover, his batting adaptability has made him a vital floater in the middle order. During the Champions Trophy 2025, he even stepped up at No. 5, playing crucial innings that contributed significantly to India’s title victory. 

Even, during the India vs Australia ODI series, he performed admirably, scoring 75 runs across two innings and taking 3 wickets with the ball, a clear indication of his well-rounded contribution.

Despite this, he was overlooked in favour of Rishabh Pant, Jadeja, and Washington Sundar for the South Africa series. This raises the critical question: What more does Axar need to do to remain a consistent ODI selection?

Test Career: Improving yet inconsistently backed

Moving to the Test arena, Axar’s situation appears equally uncertain. Although he has delivered strong performances, especially in home conditions where his accuracy and height make him particularly effective, he still finds himself rotated frequently.

Recently, the 31-year-old all-rounder was included in the Kolkata Test against South Africa but dropped for the following match without a clear explanation. 

Furthermore, before this recall, Axar had last played a Test in the 2024 England series, where he impressed with 133 runs in four innings at an average of 33.35. Nevertheless, Washington Sundar has often been preferred ahead of him.

The reasoning behind this preference remains unclear. Perhaps the management values Sundar’s off-spin variety and slightly stronger batting. However, constantly shuffling Axar in and out of the XI risks affecting his confidence, on-field body language, and overall performance rhythm.

On the other hand, Axar’s position in T20Is seems secure. Serving as the deputy to captain Suryakumar Yadav, he has consistently performed with ball control and power-hitting bursts. 

Yet, while stability in T20Is is positive, it cannot compensate for the uncertainty he faces in the more established formats of Tests and ODIs.

What is really behind Axar Patel’s snub?

As things stand, the BCCI selectors’ choices indicate a mix of experimentation and experience-based decision-making. Additionally, with Jadeja returning and Rishabh Pant reclaiming a middle-order role, Axar finds himself squeezed out despite strong performances.

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir’s emphasis on transition might also be influencing these choices. Still, given Axar’s proven value, such decisions appear inconsistent.