Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has provided a pointy evaluation of India’s ODI setup following their defeat towards New Zealand, explaining why Axar Patel at the moment holds an edge over Ravindra Jadeja within the 50-over format. Pathan’s feedback got here after India’s loss in Rajkot, a outcome that allowed New Zealand to degree the three-match ODI collection and push it right into a decider.
India stumble as New Zealand degree the collection
India entered the second ODI with momentum after profitable the opening recreation, however they have been unable to construct on that benefit in Rajkot. Regardless of placing up a aggressive whole, India failed to use sustained strain on New Zealand’s batters, who chased down the goal comfortably to sq. the collection.
Whereas there have been positives with the bat, notably from the highest and center order, India’s innings misplaced momentum throughout essential phases. The lack to maintain the scoreboard ticking within the center overs proved pricey, permitting New Zealand to stay in management all through the chase. The defeat not solely uncovered tactical gaps but additionally intensified scrutiny on particular person performances, particularly from senior gamers.
Irfan Pathan questions Ravindra Jadeja’s method within the center overs
Analysing the match on his YouTube channel, Pathan identified the place he felt India misplaced grip of the competition. He in contrast the contrasting strike charges of India’s batters, noting that whereas KL Rahul scored fluently, Jadeja struggled to rotate the strike.
In accordance with Pathan, Jadeja wanted to bat with a strike charge nearer to 80 to maintain the strain on the bowlers. His incapability to take action stalled India’s momentum. Pathan additional highlighted that Jadeja has not scored an ODI fifty since 2020, including that such a drought inevitably brings strain on a senior participant.
“The place did India lose the match? KL Rahul performed with a strike charge of 90 [121.73], however Ravindra Jadeja solely maintained a strike charge of 60 [61.36] throughout his innings of 27. Rajkot can also be Jadeja’s dwelling floor. If there’s an all-rounder after Kapil Dev in Check cricket, it’s Jadeja. However in relation to ODI cricket, Jadeja struggles in rotating the strike. He ought to’ve performed with a strike charge of 80 and Jadeja couldn’t do it. Jadeja hasn’t scored a fifty in ODIs since 2020. He’s underneath loads of strain,” mentioned Pathan.
Additionally READ: Irfan Pathan breaks down why KL Rahul at No.6 makes sense for India in ODIs
Pathan explains Why Axar Patel is forward of Jadeja in ODIs
Pathan’s critique didn’t cease at batting. He additionally highlighted Jadeja’s latest struggles with the ball, stating that the left-arm spinner has managed only one wicket in his final 5 ODIs, conceding runs at a excessive charge. This, in keeping with him, is the place Axar pulls forward. Axar’s capacity to contribute at a brisk tempo with the bat, rotate strike effectively, and nonetheless ship management and breakthroughs with the ball makes him a extra balanced possibility in ODIs at current. Pathan was clear in his evaluation, stating that Axar is ‘little doubt forward’ of Jadeja within the format.
“With the ball, Jadeja has managed just one wicket within the final 5 video games at 200. These are poor numbers for any senior participant. Axar Patel is little doubt forward of him. Jadeja should carry out within the subsequent recreation, because it was a decisive consider India’s defeat,” he added.
Additionally READ: Shubman Gill reveals reasons behind India’s defeat in the second ODI against New Zealand
