"That is the reason Axar Patel has not been included" - Former selector's huge claim on India's squad for IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Former India keeper-batter and ex-selector Saba Karim has backed the move to pick Ravindra Jadeja over fellow all-rounder Axar Patel in the 15-member squad for the ODIs against South Africa. According to Karim, Jadeja remains a crucial component of the one-day team in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup.

The BCCI selectors sprung a huge surprise by not picking Axar in the Indian team for the three-match ODI series against the Proteas, while recalling Jadeja. Axar was a key member of the Indian team that won the Champions Trophy held in the UAE earlier this year.

During an interaction on ESPNcricinfo, Karim threw his weight behind the selection committee over their move to pick Jadeja ahead of Axar. He commented:

"Jadeja had to come back into the XI because he remains such an instrumental player for India. The selectors had given him a rest for the Australian ODI series. Especially in Indian conditions, Jadeja becomes extremely effective. His game awareness has improved so much. Even in white-ball cricket, you expect someone with Jadeja's experience to come in handy for India.

"Axar Patel, although he has done quite well, you possibly can't have so many spinners in the squad. That is the reason why Axar Patel has not been included," the 58-year-old went on to explain.

Axar has played 71 ODIs for India and has claimed 75 wickets at an economy rate of 4.49. With the bat, he has contributed 858 runs at a strike rate of 91.76. On the other hand, Jadeja has the experience of 204 ODIs. He has picked up 231 scalps at an economy rate of 4.85 and has scored 2,806 runs at a strike rate of 85.44.

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"You may see Ravindra Jadeja doing that role " - Saba Karim on Axar Patel's replacement at No. 5

Axar has been used as a floater in the batting order in recent times and has also batted at the crucial No. 5 position a few times. Karim, however, feels that Axar's absence won't be a huge setback since Jadeja is capable of a similar role.

"You may see Ravindra Jadeja doing that role. That depends on the team management. The XI is chosen by the captain and the team management. It's up to KL Rahul and Gautam Gambhir how they want to utilize Ravindra Jadeja. He remains a very important force for India heading into the 2027 World Cup," the former India stumper explained.

India will play three ODIs against South Africa starting November 30. The first match will be played in Ranchi, the second in Raipur (December 3), while the series will conclude in Visakhapatnam on December 6.