World Cup winner questions Ravindra Jadeja's selection over Axar for IND vs NZ ODIs

Srikkanth slams Ravindra Jadea. [Source - @cheekycheeka/YT/bcci.com]

Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth has once again found himself at the centre of debate after India’s defeat in the second ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot, raising sharp questions around team balance, selection calls, and India’s bowling depth in the ongoing series. The 1983 World Cup winner has openly questioned Ravindra Jadeja's selection over Axar Patel amid the former's dismal returns in the ongoing ODI series between India and New Zealand. 

India’s seven-wicket loss was not just about the result, but about how comfortably New Zealand chased 284 on a surface offering early help. After two quick wickets with the new ball, India lost control as Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 131 guided the visitors home with ease.

As the series stands level at 1-1, discussions around team India selection, form, and long-term planning have resurfaced. The spotlight has shifted to India’s spin combination, with former cricketers and experts, including Krishnamachari Srikkanth, openly questioning the absence of a reliable sixth bowling option in the middle overs.

Srikkanth raises concerns over Ravindra Jadeja’s role and impact

Ravindra Jadeja’s performance in Rajkot came under scrutiny after he returned figures of 0/44 from eight overs. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Krishnamachari Srikkanth expressed concerns over Jadeja’s role with the ball, pointing out his inability to create impact in

“Jadeja is one of my favourite players. But he does not seem to know what to do. He looks caught between attacking and giving the ball flight," Srikkanth said.

On a night when India desperately needed breakthroughs, the experienced all-rounder failed to make any impact, extending his wicketless run from the previous match. The absence of threat highlighted a wider middle-overs bowling issue, a concern that captain Shubman Gill also openly acknowledged after the match.

Focus shifts to Axar Patel’s absence from the ODI squad

With Hardik Pandya unavailable and Washington Sundar ruled out due to injury, Srikkanth further criticised the absence of Axar Patel from the ODI squad, claiming that as India searched for balance and control, Axar would have been the perfect sixth bowling option the team clearly lacked.

“Why not bring Axar back? Axar would have been the ideal candidate today. Axar has a terrific record. He did well in the Champions Trophy and won us the T20 World Cup. Suddenly, he is nowhere,” Srikkanth added.

Axar’s strong white-ball record and impact in major tournaments only back the point being raised. From Srikkanth’s perspective, India’s lack of control in the middle overs and shortage of depth made Axar a logical solution, whose all-round ability could have brought balance and clarity to the XI.

Selection questions India can no longer ignore

Srikkanth’s criticism may sound harsh, but it is not without logic. Ravindra Jadeja’s impact in ODIs appears to have declined, and his batting no longer provides the cushion as well. The left-hander struggling to score even at a run-a-ball raises genuine concerns.

Meanwhile, Axar Patel’s continued omission remains puzzling. A recent Vijay Hazare Trophy century and consistent white-ball performances proves his value. With younger batters waiting and balance becoming critical, India’s selection approach needs clearer thinking before the decider.