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Former India<\/strong> all-rounder Irfan Pathan<\/strong><\/a> has offered a sharp assessment of India\u2019s ODI setup following their defeat against New Zealand<\/strong>, explaining why Axar Patel<\/strong> currently holds an edge over Ravindra Jadeja<\/strong> in the 50-over format. Pathan\u2019s comments came after India\u2019s loss in Rajkot, a result that allowed New Zealand to level the three-match ODI series and push it into a decider.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s batters, who chased down the target comfortably to square the series.<\/p>\n While there were positives with the bat, particularly from the top and middle order, India\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s batters, noting that while KL Rahul<\/strong> <\/a>scored fluently, Jadeja struggled to rotate the strike.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere 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\u2019s home ground. If there is an all-rounder after Kapil Dev in Test cricket, it\u2019s Jadeja. But when it comes to ODI cricket, Jadeja struggles in rotating the strike. He should\u2019ve played with a strike rate of 80 and Jadeja couldn\u2019t do it. Jadeja hasn\u2019t scored a fifty in ODIs since 2020. He is under plenty of pressure,\u201d<\/em> said Pathan.<\/p>\n Also READ: Irfan Pathan breaks down why KL Rahul at No.6 makes sense for India in ODIs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Pathan\u2019s critique did not stop at batting. He also highlighted Jadeja\u2019s 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\u2019s 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 \u2018no doubt ahead\u2019 of Jadeja in the format.<\/p>\n \u201cWith 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\u2019s defeat,\u201d<\/em> he added.<\/p>\nIndia stumble as New Zealand level the series<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Irfan Pathan questions Ravindra Jadeja\u2019s approach in the middle overs<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Pathan explains Why Axar Patel is ahead of Jadeja in ODIs<\/strong><\/h2>\n