For a team that just stumbled out of a bruising Test series against South Africa, India’s return to ODIs should’ve been a chance to reset, regroup, and reassert white-ball authority. Instead, the squad announcement has triggered a familiar old debate: What exactly is India’s selection philosophy right now?
With Bumrah and Siraj out of action, and Gill and Iyer also unavailable through injury, plus the possibility that Hardik Pandya could be coming back into the frame, we can’t say what his exact role will be. This selection has been made for the want of it. There’s no clear strategy or direction for the team to follow. The selectors are banking on KL Rahul as the future leader of the side, and are giving Jadeja one final chance to demonstrate his ability, and keep Pant in the running, while providing an opportunity for some younger players, including Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy, to gain experience playing at the highest level.
Selective Logic or Selective Memory?
The exclusion of Axar Patel seems to be a minor flaw in the Indian ODI format. Not long ago, he was the first choice for India for the spin-bowling all-rounder position in Australia, and he replaced Jadeja and delivered a couple of his best spells in blue. This is quite perplexing because the Indian team will rely heavily on a match-up strategy in this series that would benefit from both Jadeja and Axar in the starting lineup. The Indian middle order currently consists of two right-handed batsmen who are both the two most vulnerable batsmen in the line-up, while bowling against two left-arm orthodox bowlers who can limit scoring opportunities and cause batting collapse.
Axar has developed into a strong additional lower-order bat and has also improved significantly with accuracy with his deliveries; however, he too continues to find himself on the outside looking in as the Indian team struggles with whether it should choose the experience of its veterans or the current form of its players.
A Young All-Rounder Who Checks Every Box Except Opportunity
With Gill, Iyer, and Hardik missing, India had a rare opportunity to experiment with a high-upside talent. Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad have earned their call-ups, but Riyan Parag, arguably the most complete young white-ball all-rounder in the domestic scene, is still waiting.
Parag’s value lies in versatility. He handles pace with confidence, dominates spin with authority, and offers a dependable sixth-bowling option. In a format where India has often scrambled for a batting all-rounder, Parag fits the mould almost too well.
The Mystery Spinner India Doesn’t Seem Ready to Commit To
Varun Chakaravarthy’s absence is perhaps the biggest eyebrow-raiser. After being one of India’s standout performers in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he carried the spin attack with guile and calm, he has now missed two consecutive squads.
This suggests something deeper: either India viewed him as a short-term specialist for specific conditions, or the long-term planning for 2027 already has different priorities. But for a bowler who thrives on home surfaces and poses a unique challenge even to experienced batters, this feels like a door closed too early. Especially when this very series at home, against a Proteas lineup that historically struggles with mystery spin, seemed tailor-made for him.
Key Takeaway
India’s ODI squad reveals talent, but the selection logic reveals uncertainty.
FAQs
- Why did Axar Patel miss out on the South Africa ODI series?
Despite strong form, he was replaced by Jadeja, likely due to role preference rather than performance.
- What makes Riyan Parag a strong ODI contender?
His batting versatility and sixth-bowling option make him a rare all-rounder India could use.
- How did Varun Chakaravarthy fall out of the ODI plans?
Despite a strong Champions Trophy, India appears to be planning long-term with different spin options.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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