Overview
- Former India batter Mohammad Kaif said Axar Patel is the superior ODI option to Ravindra Jadeja, citing batting power and powerplay bowling.
- Jadeja scored 4 and 27 and went wicketless in the first two ODIs against New Zealand, part of a five-match stretch with just one ODI wicket.
- Kaif argued Axar should have been in the ODI squad and even advocated pairing Axar with Jadeja instead of Nitish Kumar Reddy for better balance.
- He questioned backing a seam‑bowling all‑rounder against New Zealand, saying the visitors are more vulnerable to spin.
- Axar has been left out of the NZ ODI squad despite strong recent white‑ball numbers, with reports saying he is rested ahead of the T20 World Cup next month.