After a long time, Ravindra Jadeja’s place in the ODI side has come under scrutiny, and it seems that he may not be part of India’s 2027 World Cup squad.
Jadeja, who has been a constant presence in the ODI lineup since his comeback in the 2018 Asia Cup, has failed to deliver with the ball or bat in the last year and half.
With the rise of Axar Patel as a proper all-rounder in white-ball cricket, Jadeja has become dispensable and has not featured in all of India’s ODIs this year. His performances have been dipping as well.
Since the start of 2025, Jadeja has picked up 14 wickets in 15 ODIs and scored 149 runs. His most recent outings have been concerning: in 5 ODIs in 2026, the left-arm spinner has managed to claim only 2 wickets.
I think Ravindra Jadeja won’t be in the ODI squad: Aakash Chopra
He was on the expensive side against the West Indies in the first two ODIs before not featuring in the 3rd ODI. While captain Shubman Gill later said that Jadeja was “rested because we had an opportunity today to give game time to other players,” it is clear that Jadeja’s place in the side is under threat.
Former India opener and now a respected commentator Aakash Chopra opined that Jadeja won’t find a place in India’s squad for the ODI series in New Zealand in November, as Axar will be picked and there won’t be a need for two left-arm spin-bowling all-rounders, with Washington Sundar also expected to be part of the squad.
Chopra is of the strong opinion that the team management might have decided to drop Jadeja from the ODI setup entirely as preparations for the 2027 World Cup get firmer.
In his YouTube video, Chopra said, “You could have played either Ravindra Jadeja or Naman Dhir. You have, anyway, not played Ravindra Jadeja for a long time. He doesn’t play whenever Axar is there. I think he won’t be in the ODI squad for the New Zealand tour either. Ravindra Jadeja getting limited opportunities and not playing in this match makes it seem like the decision has been made. It comes across like they don’t want to go with Ravindra Jadeja.”
Talking about Nitish Kumar Reddy, another all-rounder who India have their eye on with the World Cup in mind, Chopra criticized the management for demoting Reddy down the order, even lower than the inexperienced Naman Dhir in the IND vs WI 3rd ODI. Reddy couldn’t make an impact, scoring only 9 runs.
“You brought Nitish Kumar Reddy back, which is good; he should be playing. [But] You kept him below Naman Dhir. I don’t like it personally because you won’t be able to prepare Nitish like this. Looking from the World Cup’s perspective, you urgently need Nitish Kumar Reddy prepared,” Chopra asserted.
India and the West Indies will clash in a five-match T20I series from October 6 to 17 before India flies to New Zealand for an all-format tour.
When is India’s next ODI series?
India’s next ODI series is in November, when New Zealand will host Shubman Gill’s side in a five-ODI series from November 4.
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