India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup have already begun and team management are mulling different combinations before that tournament. In the end, one of the biggest questions is whether Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel will be the left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder.
India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has spoken about the issue in Guwahati on Tuesday, September 29 but did not name a preferred player.
And Bahutule said that both Jadeja and Axar are still part of India’s assessment process and both Jadeja and Axar are still expected to be part of India’s evaluation process as the team works towards the formation of the World Cup squad.
Bahutule Highlights Jadeja’s All-round Value
Jadeja, 37, returned to India’s ODI setup for the ongoing West Indies series after missing the previous ODI assignments against Afghanistan and England.
Although his recent ODI bowling numbers have not been particularly great, Bahutule stressed the veteran’s overall contribution.
He described Jadeja as a “utility player,” citing his ability with both bat and ball. Jadeja had also improved as a bowler in the past six months, Bahutule said.
The coach also mentioned Jadeja’s performance in the Test series in Sri Lanka, where he bowled well and took eight wickets.
Axar Patel Also Remains in the Picture
Axar Patel remains another integral option for India in the spin-bowling all-rounder role. But Axar was away with India’s Asian Games squad when the West Indies ODI series started.
Bahutule said that with Axar also available, the upcoming series and tournaments will provide opportunities to assess which players offer the most utility to the team.
That means the selection battle is not yet over but the team is expected to use upcoming ODI assignments to test different combinations before the 2027 World Cup.
Kuldeep Yadav Adds Another Spin Option
The conversation concerning India’s spin department also includes Kuldeep Yadav who is still a key part of the team’s plans.
Kuldeep had a great performance in the first ODI against the West Indies with 4 wickets for 40 runs. Bahutule described him as a match-winner and highlighted the value of his wrist-spin.
His ability to take wickets in the middle overs gives India another dimension alongside the left-arm spin options.
India Preparing for South African Conditions
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be hosted jointly by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. India therefore has to consider conditions that could differ from those encountered in many home ODIs.
Bahutule said India will now be focusing on combinations which are suitable for the conditions in South Africa. He also highlighted the importance of fielding and said that in South Africa dew and night conditions make fielding more difficult.
With fewer than 20 ODIs remaining before the World Cup campaign, the current matches are being used to test players and combinations.
When Did This Happen?
Bahutule made these comments on September 29, 2026, in Guwahati, during a pre-match press conference ahead of India’s second ODI against the West Indies.
