Jadeja has struggled for wickets in the last one year [Source: AFP]India’s spin-bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, has given a major hint about Team India’s spin-bowling selection for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are the two leading candidates for the spin-bowling spot, and Bahutule stated that the series leading up to the World Cup will determine who gets a place.Kuldeep Yadav is likely to be India’s first-choice spinner, and with South African pitches more conducive to fast bowlers, India might not take many spinners for the marquee event.Bahutule gives hint regarding India's spin-selectionWhile Jadeja has struggled for wickets in the last 12 months, Axar has not been trusted much in the 50-over format. Hence, the dilemma continues for the Indian selectors regarding who should be picked in the World Cup squad.When asked the same question, India’s spin-bowling coach backed both Jadeja and Axar and stated that the performance leading up to the World Cup will decide the fate of the two players.Here's what Bahutule said regarding Jadeja"For me he [Jadeja] has always been a utility player," Bahutule said in Guwahati ahead of the second ODI against West Indies. "He is somebody who can contribute with the bat as well as with the ball. He has definitely improved as a bowler over the last six months," Bahutule said in the pre-game presser.Also Read: Ravindra Jadeja's Certainty Denied For 2027 ODI World Cup By Indian CoachI thought the Test matches he bowled really well in Sri Lanka, as well as now with the first one-dayer. It is his first game after a long period, but he has done well.Here's what Bahutule said regarding Axar Patel"With Axar also being around, with the series or tournaments we play in the coming months, we will be able to assess who can be of utility. But Jaddu, with his batting skills, the experience he brings in, is definitely doing well and I am sure he will be looked into in the coming time."Axar or Jadeja? who deserves a place in the ODI World Cup squadWith South Africa offering fast and bouncy pitches, India has a spin problem on their hands. Only one of the two can be picked for the biggest cricketing spectacle, and the choice is difficult.In the last 12 months, Jadeja has picked up just a solitary ODI wicket and has a bowling average in excess of 350. He has struggled for breakthroughs, and the all-rounder was not even picked for the England ODI series.On the other hand, Axar has scalped 8 wickets in his last six ODI matches, with a bowling average of 30.87. In reality, Axar is a better batter than Jadeja, but the 37-year-old is a better bowler.Hence, the selection remains a headache, but Axar is younger, and India needs a better batter on tricky South African wickets.Remaining ODIs vs West Indies, a chance for Jadeja to reclaim his placeIn the first ODI against the West Indies, expectations were high for Jadeja, but he failed to pick up a single wicket and conceded 54 runs. He was not required to bat as India thrashed the Windies to take a 1-0 lead.Two more ODI games remain in the ongoing series between India and the West Indies, and the legendary all-rounder will need to back his selection with wickets, as Bahutule hinted.After the West Indies matches, India will travel to New Zealand, and Jadeja’s selection depends on how he performs in the remaining matches.Also Read: IND vs WI Live Streaming, Live Telecast- Where To Watch West Indies Tour Of India 2nd ODI 2026?
