Indian cricket veterans Zaheer Khan and Ajinkya Rahane have questioned Ravindra Jadeja’s effectiveness in the middle overs of One-Day Internationals (ODIs) after India’s series-deciding defeat against New Zealand in Indore on Sunday, January 18. The argument arose after India lost the third ODI by 41 runs, conceding the series (2-1), New Zealand’s first win in an ODI series on Indian soil.
New Zealand batting dominance sets up victory in series decider
Asked to bat first at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, New Zealand posted a towering 337 for 8 in their 50 overs. The basis of the total was a massive partnership of 219 runs for the fourth wicket between Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips. Mitchell scored a commanding 137, while Phillips complemented him with a fluent 106, dismantling India’s bowling plans during the middle and death.
For India, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana were the standout performers, picking up three wickets each. However, a lack of control from the rest of the bowling unit allowed New Zealand to maintain momentum throughout the innings.
In response, India’s chase never gained traction after early defeats at the top. Virat Kohli once again held his own, scoring a brilliant 124 and anchoring the innings. He received support from Nitish Kumar Reddy (53) and Harshit Rana (52) but the required rate continued to rise as the partnerships failed to prosper.
India were eventually bowled out for 296, giving New Zealand a famous 41-run victory and sealing a historic series victory. The loss sparked a post-match analysis, with the focus on India’s middle bowling and Jadeja’s role in that phase.
Ravindra Jadeja’s ODI performances under scrutiny
Jadeja endured a difficult series, struggling to make an impact with either the bat or the ball. In the three ODIs, the experienced all-rounder scored just 43 runs and failed to take a single wicket, conceding 141 runs in the 25 overs he bowled.
In the opening ODI in Vadodara, Jadeja scored 56 runs in nine overs. He followed up with figures of 44 runs in eight overs at Rajkot, before conceding 41 runs in six overs at Indore, where he was introduced only in the 30th over. These returns raised concerns about their ability to control and influence intermediaries.
Zaheer Khan: “Containment is no longer enough”
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Zaheer emphasized how the ODI format has evolved, particularly during the middle overs. According to him, bowlers can no longer afford to play a purely containing role.
“The ODI format has changed. You can’t just be a container player in the middle.” Zaheer said. He added that teams now see this phase as an opportunity to change momentum, making wicket-taking a crucial requirement. Zaheer emphasized that Jadeja needs to focus on being more aggressive and impactful with the ball in the ODIs.
“Everyone sees that phase as an opportunity to change the momentum, so you can’t just hold; you also have to be aggressive and take wickets. Ravindra Jadeja needs to focus on that aspect of his game in ODIs.” added the former India pacer.
Ajinkya Rahane: “It can become predictable”
Ajinkya Rahane echoed similar concerns, suggesting that Jadeja’s lack of variation has made him easier to field. Rahane noted that bowling at a similar pace, especially with a single fielder outside the circle, allows the batsmen to settle down.
He contrasted Jadeja’s approach with that of Axar Patel, highlighting how changes in pace, angles and use of the crease can unsettle batsmen.
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“In ODIs, you have to have variations. Although Jadeja is a proven player in all conditions, he bowls at a similar pace and can become predictable. With just one fielder up top, it becomes easy for the batsman if a bowler maintains the same speed. With Axar, he has variations; he changes his pace and uses the angles at the crease very well. So, there is healthy competition, and I am sure Jadeja understands it as he knows his game well.” Rahane said.
Rahane also stressed the importance of evolving with the conditions, stating that while Jadeja is lethal in the corners, flatter terrain demands adaptability and new plans.
“Jadeja likes to keep his game simple with the ball. But you have to evolve according to the conditions. On a curvy track, he is lethal. But on a flat ground, he will have to adapt and come up with different plans, using the angles better.” added the former India Test captain.
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