Two matches into the New Zealand ODI series, and the whispers around Axar Patel are growing louder. With minimal returns with both bat and ball, the dependable all-rounder suddenly looks vulnerable. Is this a temporary blip or a sign of waning utility?
A Tale of Two Disappointing Outings
The scorecards from the first two ODIs in New Zealand make for grim reading for Axar Patel's supporters. In the first match in Auckland, a rain-affected win for India, his contribution was negligible. He was dismissed for a two-ball duck, sent in at number five to disrupt the opposition, a move that backfired. With the ball, he was economical, conceding just 12 runs, but he bowled only five of a possible 40.2 overs and failed to take a wicket. The second ODI in Wellington, another DLS-method victory for India, followed a similar script for Axar. While he bowled a more substantial spell and picked up two key wickets, including that of the well-set Daryl Mitchell, his batting was again a cause for concern. Promoted to number five once more in a tricky chase, he struggled to a score of 7 from 17 balls before being dismissed, putting further pressure on the middle order.
The Jadeja Factor and Rising Competition
An all-rounder's place in the Indian team is never entirely secure, and for a spinning all-rounder, the shadow of Ravindra Jadeja is ever-present. Jadeja, a veteran of over 200 ODIs, offers a similar skillset but with a vastly superior track record in both batting and bowling departments. While selectors have given Axar a long rope, viewing him as a key part of the future, especially with an eye on upcoming tournaments, every failure brings Jadeja's experience back into the conversation. Beyond Jadeja, other players are also vying for the all-rounder's slot. Washington Sundar, who offers a different spin option and capable batting, has been in and out of the side, often considered when matchup advantages against left-handers are desired. This intense competition means that an extended run of poor form is a luxury no player can afford. Axar's primary role is to provide control in the middle overs and add depth to the batting. When both skills falter, his position naturally comes under scrutiny.
More Than Just Numbers
Despite his recent struggles, writing Axar Patel off would be premature. For years, he has been an incredibly reliable performer in white-ball cricket. His stump-to-stump line and the ability to generate extra bounce from his height make him a difficult bowler to get away. His economy rate throughout his career has been excellent. With the bat, he has proven himself to be more than just a lower-order slogger; he possesses a sound technique and has played several match-winning innings under pressure. Team management clearly values his abilities, as evidenced by his promotion up the batting order—a tactical move to have a left-hander counter the opposition's plans. While the experiment hasn't paid off in this series, it shows a clear faith in his batting potential. He is seen as a three-dimensional player who provides crucial balance to the side, allowing India to field a more varied and potent bowling attack.
The Verdict: Under Pressure, But Not Out
So, is Axar losing his importance? The honest answer is that his grip on the all-rounder's spot is weaker today than it has been in a long time. The back-to-back failures with the bat, particularly in a role the team has specifically designed for him, are a significant concern. His bowling in the first ODI was peripheral, though he did show his wicket-taking ability in the second. The pressure from Jadeja and other contenders is immense and performance is the only currency that matters at this level. However, Axar's body of work and the unique balance he provides cannot be dismissed after two poor games. He has bounced back from tough situations before. But the clock is ticking. The remaining matches in the New Zealand series are now critical for him. He needs a significant performance to silence the doubters and reaffirm his value. His importance hasn't vanished, but it is certainly being questioned, and it is now up to him to provide a definitive answer.
![[Watch] KL Rahul takes brilliant catch as Auqib Nabi bags his second wicket in Wellington ODI](https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/1bw6l4oCpf60.webp)
