Ravindra Jadeja drops down India’s ODI pecking order as Axar Patel rises

Ravindra Jadeja slips behind Axar Patel in India’s ODI pecking order

Ravindra Jadeja has dropped down India’s ODI bowling pecking order behind Axar Patel, according to Ravi Shastri. The veteran all-rounder’s position isn’t guaranteed as selectors weigh recent form and matchups.

What did Ravi Shastri say?

Ravi Shastri, the former India head coach, explained why Axar Patel has leapfrogged Ravindra Jadeja in the ODI side. Shastri pointed to Patel’s superior returns with the ball and bat in recent series as the key factor. He also noted Jadeja’s workload and rotation policy as reasons for the shift.

Axar’s last 10 ODI innings average 32 with the ball and 48 with the bat. Jadeja’s last 10 average 41 with the ball and 36 with the bat. Shastri made the comments on 15 Jul 2026 during a chat on Star Sports.

Why it matters for Ravindra Jadeja

The change signals a generational shift in India’s spin department. Jadeja, 37, remains a world-class all-rounder but selectors now favour Axar’s left-arm spin and batting depth. Jadeja’s last ODI came on 28 Mar 2026 against South Africa, where he took 1 for 43.

Jadeja’s absence from the recent Asia Cup and World Cup squads underlined the shift. He’s still India’s premier fielder and a Test mainstay, but ODIs are slipping. His economy rate in ODIs this year sits at 5.21, up from 4.89 in 2024.

What comes next for Jadeja?

Jadeja’s focus will stay on Tests and IPL duties. He’s set to lead India A in August and could return to ODIs if form dips further for Axar or Kuldeep Yadav. The selectors have until the next World Cup cycle to decide.

Axar’s rise also means Jadeja may miss the Champions Trophy in October. Jadeja’s last ODI five-wicket haul came in Jan 2025. His next chance to force his way back may come in the home series against Australia in Nov 2026.