Reports: Ravindra Jadeja out of India's 2027 ODI World Cup plans; Axar Patel set to take over as lead all-rounder

Axar Patel's match-winning all-round display in the first ODI against England has reportedly strengthened his position as India's preferred spinning all-rounder ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The left-arm spinner has moved ahead in the selectors' plans, with veteran Ravindra Jadeja no longer being viewed as the first-choice option in the format.

Axar played a starring role in India's six-wicket victory at Edgbaston, returning figures of 4/62 before scoring an unbeaten 57 off 52 balls during the chase. His all-round performance helped India take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series and, according to the report, also reinforced the management's long-term plans for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.

As reported by The Times of India, India's selectors and team management were looking for a performance like the one Axar produced in Birmingham as they begin shaping their squad for the next ODI World Cup.

The report stated that Axar is now considered the frontrunner to lead India's spin all-round department in the 50-over format, with his recent outing serving as further validation of the faith shown in him.

The report further claimed that Ravindra Jadeja is no longer being actively considered as India's first-choice spinning all-rounder in ODI cricket. The selectors reportedly believe the veteran's white-ball bowling has not been as effective in recent years, while his finishing ability with the bat is no longer at the level the team requires.

"Jadeja's bowling in white-ball cricket hasn't been up to the mark for some time. He played in the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025 because India expected turning pitches in Dubai. His power-hitting too isn't at the level it was during the 2019 World Cup," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by TOI.

According to the report, Jadeja's inclusion in India's squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was influenced largely by the expectation of spin-friendly conditions in Dubai rather than a long-term strategy.

The experienced all-rounder has enjoyed a distinguished ODI career for India, featuring in 210 matches, scoring 2,905 runs at an average of 32.28, while also claiming 232 wickets. However, with the selectors reportedly shifting their focus towards the future, Axar Patel appears to have established himself as India's leading spin-bowling all-rounder as preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup gather pace.