Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has offered a sharp assessment of India’s ODI setup following their defeat against New Zealand, explaining why Axar Patel currently holds an edge over Ravindra Jadeja in the 50-over format. Pathan’s comments came after India’s loss in Rajkot, a result that allowed New Zealand to level the three-match ODI series and push it into a decider.

India stumble as New Zealand level the series

India entered the second ODI with momentum after winning the opening game, but they were unable to build on that advantage in Rajkot. Despite putting up a competitive total, India failed to apply sustained pressure on New Zealand’s batters, who chased down the target comfortably to square the series.

While there were positives with the bat, particularly from the top and middle order, India’s innings lost momentum during crucial phases. The inability to keep the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs proved costly, allowing New Zealand to remain in control throughout the chase. The defeat not only exposed tactical gaps but also intensified scrutiny on individual performances, especially from senior players.

Irfan Pathan questions Ravindra Jadeja’s approach in the middle overs

Analysing the match on his YouTube channel, Pathan pointed out where he felt India lost grip of the contest. He compared the contrasting strike rates of India’s batters, noting that while KL Rahul scored fluently, Jadeja struggled to rotate the strike.

According to Pathan, Jadeja needed to bat with a strike rate closer to 80 to keep the pressure on the bowlers. His inability to do so stalled India’s momentum. Pathan further highlighted that Jadeja has not scored an ODI fifty since 2020, adding that such a drought inevitably brings pressure on a senior player.

“Where did India lose the match? KL Rahul played with a strike rate of 90 [121.73], but Ravindra Jadeja only maintained a strike rate of 60 [61.36] during his innings of 27. Rajkot is also Jadeja’s home ground. If there is an all-rounder after Kapil Dev in Test cricket, it’s Jadeja. But when it comes to ODI cricket, Jadeja struggles in rotating the strike. He should’ve played with a strike rate of 80 and Jadeja couldn’t do it. Jadeja hasn’t scored a fifty in ODIs since 2020. He is under plenty of pressure,” said Pathan.

Also READ: Irfan Pathan breaks down why KL Rahul at No.6 makes sense for India in ODIs

Pathan explains Why Axar Patel is ahead of Jadeja in ODIs

Pathan’s critique did not stop at batting. He also highlighted Jadeja’s recent struggles with the ball, pointing out that the left-arm spinner has managed just one wicket in his last five ODIs, conceding runs at a high rate. This, according to him, is where Axar pulls ahead. Axar’s ability to contribute at a brisk pace with the bat, rotate strike efficiently, and still deliver control and breakthroughs with the ball makes him a more balanced option in ODIs at present. Pathan was clear in his assessment, stating that Axar is ‘no doubt ahead’ of Jadeja in the format.

“With the ball, Jadeja has managed only one wicket in the last five games at 200. These are poor numbers for any senior player. Axar Patel is no doubt ahead of him. Jadeja must perform in the next game, as it was a decisive factor in India’s defeat,” he added.

Also READ: Shubman Gill reveals reasons behind India’s defeat in the second ODI against New Zealand

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