East India all-rounder Irfan Pathan Has offered a sharp assessment of India’s ODI setup after the defeat against new zealandexplaining why Akshar Patel currently in the lead Ravindra Jadeja In 50 over format. Pathan’s comments came after India’s defeat in Rajkot, a result which saw New Zealand level the three-match ODI series and push it into a decider.
India faltered as New Zealand leveled the series
India entered the second ODI on a high after winning the opening game, but they were unable to maintain that lead in Rajkot. Despite posting competitive scores, India failed to put sustained pressure on New Zealand’s batsmen, who chased the target with ease and leveled the series.
Although there were positives with the bat, especially from the top and middle order, India’s innings lost momentum during crucial stages. The inability to keep the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs proved costly, with New Zealand remaining in control throughout the chase. The defeat not only exposed tactical shortcomings but also intensified scrutiny of individual performances, especially those of senior players.
Irfan Pathan questions Ravindra Jadeja’s approach in the middle overs
Analyzing the match on his YouTube channel, Pathan explained where he felt India lost control of the contest. Comparing the opposite strike rates of Indian batsmen, he said KL Rahul Scored fluently, Jadeja struggled to rotate the strike.
According to Pathan, Jadeja needed to bat at a strike rate around 80 to maintain pressure on the bowlers. Their inability to do so halted India’s momentum. Pathan further pointed out that Jadeja has not scored a single ODI half-century since 2020, adding that such a drought inevitably brings pressure on a senior player.
“Where did India lose the match? KL Rahul played at a strike rate of 90.” [121.73]But Ravindra Jadeja maintained a strike rate of only 60 [61.36] Rajkot is also Jadeja’s home ground during his innings of 27 runs. If there is any all-rounder after Kapil Dev in Test cricket, it is Jadeja. But when it comes to ODI cricket, Jadeja faces difficulty in rotating the strike. He should have played with a strike rate of 80 and Jadeja could not do that. Jadeja has not scored a half-century in ODIs since 2020. He is under a lot of pressure. “Pathan said.”
Also read: Irfan Pathan explains why KL Rahul’s presence at No. 6 matters for India in ODIs
Pathan told why Axar Patel is ahead of Jadeja in ODI?
Pathan’s criticism did not stop at batting only. He also highlighted Jadeja’s recent struggles with the ball, and pointed out that the left-arm spinner has only taken one wicket in his last five ODIs, and has conceded runs at a high rate. According to him, this is where the alphabet moves forward. Axar’s ability to contribute pace with the bat, rotate the strike efficiently and still deliver control and success with the ball makes him the more balanced option in ODIs currently. Pathan was candid in his assessment, saying Axar was ‘undoubtedly ahead’ of Jadeja in the format.
“With the ball, Jadeja has managed only one wicket at 200 in the last five matches. These are poor figures for any senior player. There is no doubt that Axar Patel is ahead of him. Jadeja will have to perform in the next game, as that was the deciding factor in India’s defeat.” He added.
Also read: Shubman Gill reveals the reasons for India’s defeat in the 2nd ODI against New Zealand
