Past India thoroughly Irfan Pathan suggested a sharp assessment of India’s ODI set-up after their defeat against New Zealandexplains why Akhar Patel currently holds the upper hand Ravindra Jadeja In more than 50 formats. Pathan’s comments came in the wake of India’s defeat in Rajkot, which allowed New Zealand to level the three-match ODI series and push it into the decider.
India stumbled as New Zealand leveled the series
India went into the second ODI with flying colors after winning the opening game, but they failed to build on that lead in Rajkot. Despite posting a competitive total, India failed to put sustained pressure on New Zealand’s batsmen, who comfortably chased down the target to square the series.
While there were positives with the bat, especially from the top and middle order, India’s innings lost momentum at crucial stages. An inability to keep the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs proved costly and allowed New Zealand to remain in control throughout the chase. The defeat not only exposed tactical gaps, but also intensified scrutiny of individual performances, especially of senior players.
Irfan Pathan questions Ravindra Jadeja’s approach in the middle
Analyzing the match on his YouTube channel, Pathan noted that he felt India were losing their grip on the contest. He noted, comparing the contrasting strike rates of India’s batsmen KL Rahul Jadeja, who scored fluently, found it difficult to turn the shot.
According to Pathan, Jadeja had to bat at a strike rate of around 80 to keep the pressure on the bowler. His failure to do so stalled India’s momentum. Pathan further pointed out that Jadeja has not scored an ODI fifty since 2020, adding that such a drought inevitably puts pressure on the senior player.
“Where did India lose the match? KL Rahul played at a strike rate of 90 (121.73) but Ravindra Jadeja managed a strike rate of just 60 (61.36) in 27 overs. Rajkot is also Jadeja’s home ground. If there is an all-rounder, he comes after Kapil Deja. In cricket, Jadeja should have played at a strike rate of 80 and Jadeja has scored fifty in ODIs since 2020 He couldn’t win. He’s under a lot of pressure. Pathan said.
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Pathan explains why Axar Patel is ahead of Jadeja in ODIs
Pathan’s criticism did not end with batting. He also highlighted Jadeja’s recent struggles with the ball, noting that the left-arm spinner has managed just one wicket in the last five ODIs and conceded runs at a high rate. According to him, this is where Akhar is leading. Akhar’s ability to contribute at quick pace with the bat, spin the strike effectively and still provide control and breakthroughs with the ball makes him a more balanced option in ODIs at the moment. Pathan was unequivocal in his assessment, stating that Akhar was ‘definitely ahead’ of Jadeja in the format.
“Overall, Jadeja has managed just one wicket in 200 in the last five games. These are bad numbers for any senior player. Axar Patel is certainly ahead of him. Jadeja needs to perform in the next game as it was the deciding factor in India’s defeat.” he added.
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