Ravindra Jadeja has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket, celebrated for his all-round performances across formats. While his retirement from T20Is marked the end of an era, his role in Tests remains pivotal. But in the high-stakes world of ODIs, does Jadeja still have a place in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad? With rising stars like Washington Sundar and Axar Patel in the mix, the competition has never been fiercer.
Will Jadeja Stay in India’s XI?
The southpaw’s last ODI appearance was the 2023 World Cup final, where his experience and skills made him an automatic choice. Fast forward to today, the dynamics have shifted. Emerging talents like Washington Sundar and Axar Patel are knocking on the door, bringing both youth and performance stats that rival Jadeja’s established credentials.
Sundar, with his 23 wickets in 22 ODIs and a handy 315 runs, is seen as the strongest contender. His recent performances in Tests and ODIs highlight his ability to deliver under pressure. Meanwhile, Axar Patel’s record of 568 runs and 64 wickets in 60 ODIs adds another layer of competition. India has previously leaned towards Axar over Jadeja in key matches, signaling a possible shift in strategy.
Rest or Replacement?
With Champions Trophy 2025 following the grueling IND vs AUS series, Jadeja’s workload management could influence the selectors’ decisions. Resting him may ensure his longevity, but the likes of Sundar and Axar present compelling cases for immediate inclusion. Both offer a fresh approach, matching Jadeja’s all-round capabilities while bringing a younger dynamic to the team.
Jadeja vs Sundar vs Axar: ODI Stats
| Player | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravindra Jadeja | 197 | 2756 | 220 |
| Washington Sundar | 22 | 315 | 23 |
| Axar Patel | 60 | 568 | 64 |
As India gears up for the Champions Trophy, all eyes will be on how the selectors balance experience and emerging talent. Will Jadeja continue to shine, or is it time for Sundar and Axar to take the spotlight?
