India stumbles as New Zealand levels the series
India went into the second ODI with momentum after winning the opening match but could not build on that advantage in Rajkot. Despite posting a competitive total, India failed to put sustained pressure on New Zealand’s batsmen, who comfortably chased down the target to square the series.
While there were positives with the bat, especially from the top and middle order, India’s innings lost momentum during crucial phases. The inability to keep the scoreboard ticking during the middle overs proved costly, allowing New Zealand to maintain control throughout the chase. The defeat not only exposed tactical gaps but also brought increased scrutiny of individual performances, especially of older players.
Irfan Pathan questions Ravindra Jadeja’s approach in the middle overs
Pathan analyzed the match on his YouTube channel and pointed out where he felt India lost control of the match. He compared the contrasting strike rates of the Indian batters and noticed that KL Rahul scored fluently, Jadeja struggled to rotate the shot.
According to Pathan, Jadeja had to bat at a strike rate closer to 80 to keep the pressure on the bowlers. His inability to do this halted India’s momentum. Pathan further highlighted that Jadeja has not scored an ODI fifty since 2020, adding that such a drought inevitably puts pressure on a senior player.
“Where did India lose the match? KL Rahul played with a strike rate of 90 [121.73]but Ravindra Jadeja only maintained a strike rate of 60 [61.36] during his innings of 27. Rajkot is also the home ground of Jadeja. If there is an all-rounder in Test cricket after Kapil Dev, it is Jadeja. But when it comes to ODI cricket, Jadeja struggles to rotate the strike. He should have played with a strike rate of 80, but Jadeja couldn’t do that. Jadeja has not scored a fifty in ODIs since 2020. He is under a lot of pressure.” Pathan said.
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Pathan explains why Axar Patel is ahead of Jadeja in ODIs
Pathan’s criticism did not stop at the beating. He also highlighted Jadeja’s recent struggles with the ball, pointing out that the left-arm spinner has managed just one wicket in his last five ODIs, conceding runs at a rapid pace. According to him, this is where Axar leads the way. Axar’s ability to contribute with the bat at a quick pace, rotate the strike efficiently and still deliver control and breakthroughs with the ball makes him a more balanced option in ODIs at the moment. Pathan was clear in his assessment and stated that Axar has ‘undoubtedly an edge’ over Jadeja in the format.
“With the ball, Jadeja has managed just one wicket in the last five matches, which is 200. These are poor figures for any senior player. Axar Patel is undoubtedly ahead of him. Jadeja must perform in the next match as this was a decisive factor in India’s defeat.” he added.
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