Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been included in India’s 15-member squad for the three-match home ODI series against New Zealand, starting Sunday, January 11. He had been rested for the Australia tour but returned for the home ODIs against South Africa, India’s final 50-over assignment of 2025.
Jadeja’s inclusion is notable as India shapes its squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. In 207 ODIs, he has scored 2,862 runs at an average of 32.89 with a strike rate of 85.92, including 13 fifties, and taken 232 wickets at an average of 35.93 with an economy of 4.87.
Here are three reasons why picking Ravindra Jadeja for the New Zealand ODIs might be questionable:
#3 Ravindra Jadeja’s Finishing Ability Is Declining
While Jadeja remains a quality all-rounder, his finishing with the bat in ODIs has lost its edge. He scored 32 off 20 in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi but managed only 24* off 27 in the next game at Raipur, slowing India’s batting momentum. Looking at his career, Jadeja’s overall ODI strike rate is around 86, but since 2022 it has dropped to 80.24, showing a clear decline.
He has often struggled to accelerate in the death overs, which raises concerns for India ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. India has Hardik Pandya as the other finisher, who has been in excellent form. While no one can match Pandya’s power hitting, the team still needs a reliable partner at the death. Based on Jadeja’s recent ODI batting record, he may not be the ideal choice for that role.
#2 Axar Patel didn’t deserve to be dropped after the Australia ODIs
In recent years, Axar Patel has become a strong contender to Jadeja in white-ball cricket. Both were part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team, but Axar had a bigger impact. He’s also performed well in ODIs, and when selected ahead of Jadeja for Australia, he seemed to be the preferred choice.
Axar contributed with the bat in Australia, scoring 31 in Perth and 44 in Adelaide, while remaining economical with the ball. He played a key role in India’s 2025 Champions Trophy win and featured in the ODIs against England. He appeared to have cemented his place, yet Jadeja is suddenly being favored again, which is puzzling.
While India may not want both Axar and Jadeja in the ODI side due to overlapping skills, Axar’s recent form suggests he is more deserving of the spot despite Jadeja’s legendary record.
#1 India can’t rely on too many players over 30 for the World Cup.
There’s a saying that age is just a number, but in sports, fitness and agility matter, so age can’t be ignored. In India’s squad for the New Zealand series, Rohit Sharma is 38, and Virat Kohli and Jadeja are 37. By the 2027 ODI World Cup, they will all be a year older.
While India can manage if they maintain form and fitness, having three players past 30 isn’t ideal. This is where the selectors might have prioritized youth over experience, especially regarding Jadeja.
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