Explained: Can Axar Patel Replace Ravindra Jadeja in India’s ODI Team? 5 Key Points

New Delhi: Following India’s recent ODI series loss, the debate over Ravindra Jadeja’s struggling form and the potential inclusion of Axar Patel in the ODI side has intensified. Jadeja failed to make an impact in the three-match series against New Zealand, going wicketless and contributing minimally with the bat. Many cricket experts believe his ODI career may have reached a crossroads. In contrast, Axar Patel, who established himself in T20Is after Jadeja’s retirement from the format post-2024 World Cup, has emerged as a reliable all-rounder and even served as T20I vice-captain.

Here’s a breakdown in five key points highlighting whether Axar could replace Jadeja in India’s ODI squad:

1. ODI Career Statistics

• Ravindra Jadeja: 210 matches, 142 innings, 2,905 runs at an average of 32.27, and 232 wickets at 36.54. He has two 5-wicket hauls and a best batting score of 87.
• Axar Patel: 71 matches, 49 innings, 858 runs at 23.18, and 75 wickets at 32.81. Best batting score: 64*; best bowling: 3/24.
  While Jadeja holds a statistical edge overall, the gap is narrowing.

2. Batting Performance Over the Past Year
Axar has outshone Jadeja with the bat in recent times. In 2025, Axar scored 290 runs in 11 matches, compared to Jadeja’s 106 in 10 games. In the recent series, Jadeja managed just 43 runs in 3 ODIs, whereas Axar maintained consistent contributions in domestic and T20 formats.

3. T20 Success and Proven Form
Since Jadeja’s retirement from T20Is, Axar has cemented his place in India’s shortest format. In 2024, Axar scored 137 runs and took 20 wickets in 16 T20 matches, while Jadeja managed only 35 runs and 1 wicket in 8 matches. In 2025, Axar added 183 runs and 17 wickets in 19 T20Is, showcasing consistent all-round form.

4. Jadeja’s Declining ODI Form
Jadeja’s struggles have been well-documented. After taking 5 wickets in the Champions Trophy, he delivered only 1 wicket in 48 overs across three ODIs against South Africa and New Zealand, while scoring 99 runs off 112 balls at a strike rate of 88.39. Since November 2025, he bowled 288 balls in 6 ODIs and claimed just 1 wicket.

5. Axar’s Leadership and All-Round Impact
The Indian team management has increasingly backed Axar. Following his consistent T20I performances, he was appointed T20I vice-captain in 2025. Since the 2023 T20 World Cup, he has scored 377 runs at a strike rate of 81 and claimed 16 wickets at an economy of 4.32 in 15 T20 innings. With Shubman Gill now out of the T20 squad, Axar continues to hold a leadership role, strengthening his case as a strong contender for India’s ODI squad.

With Jadeja struggling to make an impact and Axar showing consistent all-round performances, the numbers clearly indicate that Axar Patel is a serious candidate to replace Jadeja in the ODI team.