Axar Patel’s match-winning performance against England in Birmingham in the 1stscheduled tribe The ongoing ODI series could help him become the successor to the experienced Ravindra Jadeja in the ODI World Cup in 2027. After a long run of disappointing or poor performances in recent times, Patel’s all-round performance in Birmingham marked a moment of resurgence.
The Indian team management is looking for an ideal spin-bowling all-rounder who can match the profile of the experienced Jadeja and perform well with both bat and ball with equal expertise. Axar Patel fits the profile but his performances are lacking.
The upcoming ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa, where the Indian national cricket team is expected to have more fast bowlers than spinners due to the nature of the wickets and conditions.
South African pitches mostly allow extra bounce for the bowlers, while giving very little bounce to the spinners. For the limited overs format, Gautam Gambhir-coached Team India has fielded an all-rounder heavy squad, which continues in the ongoing series against England. If the team management continues to rely on all-rounders in addition to the bouncy surfaces of South Africa, then a very limited number of spinners may get a chance in the playing combination.
Washington Sundar and Akshar Patel are fit to replace Ravindra Jadeja.
Washington Sundar and Axar Patel are the only proven spin bowling all-rounders who can be similar options to Ravindra Jadeja. Kuldeep Yadav will also be a contender, but his batting skills are very limited.
To add depth to the department, the Board of Control for Cricket in India keeps Harsh Dubey with the team to prepare them for the upcoming endeavours. However, nothing has been decided yet regarding team selection. But it turns out that Axar Patel’s unbeaten 57 and figures of 4/62 had a significant impact on the team management.
“The team management will need a key spinner in the XI in South Africa. It will be a bonus if Washington Sundar plays. That is why Axar’s form is so critical. Harsh Dubey is being groomed as his backup,” a BCCI source told Times of India.
BCCI is not happy with Ravindra Jadeja’s ODI performance
While Ravindra Jadeja was active with Rajasthan Royals throughout the IPL 2026 season, the Indian team management is not happy with his performance during his last few matches with the national cricket team. Hence, the management is actively looking for a replacement for Jadeja in ODIs.
“Jadeja’s bowling in white-ball cricket has not been good for quite some time now. He played in the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025 as India expected turning pitches in Dubai. His power-hitting is also not at the level it was during the 2019 World Cup,” the source confirmed.
Akshar Patel himself must have sensed the opportunity as he said that he needs to maintain his focus to deliver consistently effective performances.
