Ravindra Jadeja’s recent ODI run has left selectors and fans uneasy. India’s seven-wicket loss to New Zealand in the second ODI at Rajkot exposed cracks in his current form: a listless 27 off 44 balls (strike rate 61.36) and bowling figures of 0-44 from eight overs. For a player often relied on to anchor the middle order and provide crucial overs, that display raised fresh questions about his place in the 50-over setup, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon.
What went wrong in Rajkot
Jadeja’s batting failed to exert the kind of pressure India needed after early wickets. The innings never built momentum and he was unable to accelerate when the situation demanded it. With the ball, he was largely ineffective in the middle overs—New Zealand’s batters looked comfortable against him and ran freely, leaving Jadeja little impact on the game.
When an all-rounder is neither contributing with the bat nor troubling opposition line-ups with the ball, it naturally pushes selectors to evaluate alternatives who can offer balance and consistency.
Why India might consider a change
India already has spinning all-round options in Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. But the team needs a reliable third spinning all-rounder who can hold his own with the bat and offer dependable overs. With the World Cup in mind, selectors will weigh current form, fitness, and long-term potential. A fresh face could also bring variety to the XI and help manage the workload across a packed calendar.
Three candidates who could replace Jadeja in ODIs
Shahbaz Ahmed
Shahbaz has been one of the most consistent performers in domestic 50-over cricket. His recent Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign was outstanding: 390 runs in six innings at an average of 130 and a strike rate above 100, along with useful returns with the ball. He has experience in the IPL and has already been on the selectors’ radar.
Why he fits: Shahbaz brings genuine 50-over form, the ability to rotate strike and accelerate, and useful left-arm spin. He offers the kind of all-round balance India might want if they look for an immediate, in-form replacement.
Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag is an exciting young talent who got his India call-up during the 2024 white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. A dynamic middle-order batter, Parag can change gears to suit match situations and has shown promise with the ball in limited opportunities for India ‘A’ and domestic sides.
Why he fits: Parag could be a long-term solution. His batting offers aggression and flexibility, and his off-spin can be developed into a reliable tactical option—useful as a sixth bowling option or third spinner, especially against left-handed-heavy oppositions. Fitness permitting, he is a player worth investing in for the future.
Manav Suthar
Manav Suthar of Haryana has made a steady rise in List-A cricket since his debut in 2023. His numbers show a promising blend of batting depth and effective spin bowling. He may not carry the high profile of some peers, but his skill set is well-suited to the role India needs.
Why he fits: Suthar offers a classical spin-allround option who can adapt quickly to international demands. His bowling has the control and variation required in ODIs, and he already possesses the experience to adapt to higher levels of competition.
What India should consider going forward
- Role clarity: Any replacement must have a clearly defined role—whether as a batting all-rounder who bowls or a bowling all-rounder who can bat deep.
- Match conditions and balance: Selectors must balance left-right combinations and the need for a sixth bowler in certain conditions.
- Long-term planning: With the 2027 World Cup in view, form and fitness over a longer window will matter more than one-off performances.
Jadeja remains a world-class performer when in form, but international cricket demands consistent contributions. Whether the selectors persist with him and back him to regain form, or hand an opportunity to one of the younger spin all-rounders, will be a key storyline for India’s ODI setup in the months ahead.