India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies marked the end of the T20I careers of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja. While Kohli and Sharma remain integral to India’s plans for the Champions Trophy 2025 and the World Cup in 2027, Jadeja’s future in white-ball cricket is uncertain due to his recent poor form with both bat and ball.
In contrast, India is now focusing on the younger Axar Patel, who has proven to be a like-for-like replacement for Jadeja across formats. Axar, a capable left-arm orthodox spinner, is also becoming a reliable batsman who can contribute crucial runs in any position.
Ravindra Jadeja’s Decline in Form
Jadeja’s T20I performance has been underwhelming. In 2023, he played two matches, scoring just 23 runs. This year, he has played eight matches, managing only 35 runs at an average of 11. His bowling has also been ineffective, with only two wickets in 2023 at an economy rate of 9.08, and just one wicket in 2024 from eight matches.
In ODIs, Jadeja’s 2023 stats include 309 runs at an average of 30.90 and 31 wickets from 26 matches, though his strike rate was a modest 75. However, he has not played any ODIs in 2024, further casting doubt on his future in white-ball cricket.
Axar Patel’s Emergence
While Jadeja’s overall career numbers are still superior, Axar Patel has shown significant improvement in the last two years. In 2023, Axar took 11 wickets in 13 T20Is with an economy rate of 7.09. In 2024, he has been even better, claiming 13 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of 7.10. With the bat, Axar has scored 92 runs in T20Is this year at an average of 23.
In ODIs, Axar struggled in 2023 with 140 runs and five wickets in 11 matches. However, his recent form in T20Is suggests he is becoming a more reliable all-round option for India.
The Road Ahead for Jadeja
Although it is not certain that Jadeja’s white-ball career is over, he will need to produce exceptional performances to re-enter the reckoning. With no ODIs played in 2024 and no IPL before the Champions Trophy 2025, Jadeja’s opportunities to prove his form will be limited.