Axar Patel Leads the Race as Jadeja's ODI Future Fades
New Delhi, October 31: Ravindra Jadeja's place in India's ODI plans is under serious question. The all-rounder has not been named in the squad for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, and former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has said that a return to the limited-overs side will be very difficult for him.
Pujara's comments came during a conversation about Jadeja's future. He suggested that the selectors and team management have already made their direction clear, with Axar Patel now the preferred all-round option in ODI cricket.
The development is especially significant with the ODI World Cup just one year away. Jadeja has not been picked even for overseas conditions, and that has raised doubts about how he fits into the long-term plans for the tournament.
Pujara explained that Axar Patel has moved ahead of Jadeja in the team's priority list. 'I feel that is what it looks like, because if you wanted to keep Ravindra Jadeja in ODI cricket, then he should have been selected,' he said. 'I am sure he has been informed that he may not be picked, because Axar Patel has become the main all-rounder in ODI cricket and is getting more opportunities.'
He also linked the decision to Jadeja's age. 'Keeping in mind his age, I think the management may have told him that he is only part of Test cricket now and should concentrate on that. They are not considering him for white-ball cricket, which means ODIs and T20s. Since he has already retired from T20 Internationals, this may be the end of the road for him. I think he may not be selected for ODIs even now.'
Nair, meanwhile, sees Jadeja as an important back-up option. He believes Jadeja is still an 'insurance policy' for India, and could be the natural replacement if a player suffers an injury. 'Jadeja may not come back to the team, but if any player gets hurt, his name will come to mind first, because after Axar there is no other option,' Nair said.
Nair added that the central question for selection was who would follow Axar in the pecking order. 'At the moment, Axar Patel is clearly the top choice, and after him Jadeja is like an insurance policy. If Axar Patel gets injured before the World Cup, Ravindra Jadeja will return to the team.'
The ODI series against New Zealand begins on November 4 and is an important assignment for India. The team will face a strong opponent in challenging conditions, and the series will help decide the best combination for the major tournaments in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia next year.