Ravindra Jadeja not in selectors' minds as India's ODI World Cup 2027 blueprint shapes up

India’s selectors and team management are reportedly shifting their gaze away from veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as they outline their strategy for the 2027 ODI World Cup. According to a report by the Times of India, the blueprint involves fielding just one specialist spin-bowling all-rounder in the starting lineup. Axar Patel has emerged as the primary choice for this vital slot, with rising spinner Harsh Dubey being groomed as his secondary backup.

India pivot from Jadeja as ODI World Cup 2027 plans take shape

Axar’s stock has surged following a brilliant player-of-the-match performance during the first ODI against England in Birmingham. He spearheaded India’s six-wicket victory by securing career-best ODI bowling figures of 4-62, then comfortably anchored the run chase with an unbeaten half-century. His clinical display highlighted the exact balance the team wants in overseas conditions on the current tour of England, where regular frontline spinner Kuldeep Yadav remains on the bench to accommodate the dual spin-all-rounder presence of Axar and Washington Sundar.

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The decision to phase out Jadeja stems from a desire to maintain batting depth without compromising on spin options. A BCCI source explained to the Times of India that the selectors are hesitant to bring back Jadeja as a preferred choice, especially since Kuldeep Yadav provides very little support with the bat.

Axar Patel is selectors' first choice

Furthermore, concerns have mounted over Jadeja's declining impact in limited-overs cricket. The source noted that while he was included in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy squad in anticipation of spin-friendly surfaces in Dubai, his bowling form has slipped, and his late-overs power-hitting no longer mirrors the explosive threat he posed during the 2019 ODI World Cup.

Despite a rough start to his career in South Africa, where he managed just eight runs and a single wicket across three ODI appearances—Axar Patel's trajectory has skyrocketed. Since those tough outings back in 2023, the spin-bowling all-rounder has evolved into a highly reliable asset. His growth was fully on display last year, when he maintained a stellar batting average of 36.25 alongside claiming 11 wickets in 11 matches at a remarkably disciplined economy rate of 4.47.

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In contrast, veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's recent limited-overs stint has left much to be desired. His last ODI appearance for Team India came during the home series against New Zealand, an opportunity that arose while Axar was being rested ahead of the subsequent T20I series and the T20 World Cup 2026.

Unfortunately for Jadeja, that 1-2 series defeat turned out to be a forgettable campaign. He struggled significantly to make an impact, contributing a meager 43 runs at a low average of 14.33 and a sluggish strike rate of 66.15. His primary skill offered little relief either; he went completely wicketless across the three matches, bleeding 141 runs in his 23 overs of work.