'Axar Patel is way ahead of Ravindra Jadeja': Ex-India cricketer's blunt verdict

Ravindra Jadeja’s place in India’s ODI side is coming under serious scrutiny after another run of quiet performances with both bat and ball. Recent numbers have not helped his case. The last ODI half-century at home came back in 2013, while just one wicket has arrived across the last five ODI appearances. The ongoing New Zealand series has added to the debate. Scores of 4 and 27 in the first two matches, along with wicketless outings in both games, have raised fresh questions about impact and role.

Mohammad Kaif addressed the issue head-on and offered a blunt assessment while comparing Jadeja with Axar Patel. “If you have to choose one of the two, Axar is way ahead of Jadeja. Even in one-day. His strike rate and batting ability, ability to hit sixes, Jadeja does not have that,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel. “In white-ball, Axar is way ahead in batting. Even in bowling, he is ahead. Axar can bowl in the powerplay as well,” he added. Kaif also questioned the team combination used against New Zealand, especially with spin expected to play a key role. “I do not know why he is not even in the squad. Why are you backing Reddy against New Zealand, who are weak against spin. Anyway, you have Arshdeep, who is sitting out, so there are four pacers already,” Kaif said.

Axar, India’s T20I vice-captain, did not make the ODI squad for the New Zealand series despite featuring in India’s Champions Trophy squad last year, a decision Kaif clearly disagreed with. The discussion also turned towards

Nitish Kumar

Reddy’s selection and overall balance. “I want Jadeja and Axar to play together. If Axar was there in the last game instead of Reddy, there would be more balance,” Kaif said. “There is a difference in the bowling between Jadeja and Axar. People say both are left-arm spinners. They are, but both have different styles of bowling. Jadeja comes after the powerplay. Axar can take the new ball. He is the best bowler with the new ball. He took wickets with the new ball in the Champions Trophy too,” he added. With India continuing to back Jadeja in ODIs, the debate around balance, form and alternatives is only growing louder.