With next year’s ODI World Cup on the horizon, India could face an interesting selection dilemma in the spin-bowling all-rounder department: Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel?
The numbers from the last 12 months make for an intriguing comparison.
Jadeja has played seven ODIs during this period and taken just one wicket. His bowling average is more than 350, and he has not completed his quota of 10 overs in any of those matches. His most recent ODI, his first since January, saw him bowl his full 10 overs but finish wicketless, conceding 54 runs.
Axar, meanwhile, has played six ODIs in the same period and taken eight wickets at an average of 30.87 — better than his career ODI bowling average. He has also been a more regular presence in India’s ODI side during this period.
Age could also become a factor. Jadeja will be approaching 39 when the next World Cup begins, while Axar is significantly younger. There is also the question of their records in South Africa, where the World Cup will be played. Both have played three ODIs there and taken just one wicket each, so there is little to separate them on that front.
With the bat, however, Axar again has a slight edge over the last 12 months. He has scored 57 not out at his best, along with 13 fours and a six in five innings. Jadeja’s best in the same period is 32, with five fours and one six.
There is, admittedly, not a huge sample size to work with. Jadeja’s experience and all-round record remain significant factors.
But if the decision is based primarily on recent ODI performances, Axar’s age and greater impact with the ball make a compelling case.
