Ajay Jadeja Compares Axar Patel to a Bank After 5th ODI

Former India batter Ajay Jadeja has praised Axar Patel for his valuable all-round contribution in India’s 22-run victory over New Zealand in the fifth ODI of the 2026 series. Describing the left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder as a dependable option in every department, Jadeja compared him to a bank, saying the team can turn to him whenever it needs something.

Axar played an important role with both bat and ball in the series finale at Mount Maunganui on Sunday, November 15. Coming in at No. 5, he scored 46 runs from 55 deliveries to help India post a total of 209. He then delivered an effective spell of 2/28 in 6.1 overs as India bowled New Zealand out for 187, securing a 22-run win.

Ajay Jadeja compares Axar Patel to a bank after his all-round display

Speaking during a discussion on Sony Sports after the match, Jadeja highlighted Axar’s composure under pressure and his ability to contribute in different situations. The former India captain also praised his fielding, pointing out how safely he handled consecutive opportunities coming his way.

“Axar Patel doesn’t get fired up at all. He remains calm. A catch was dropped, and he kept playing his knock despite that. There was pressure at that stage because wickets had fallen. In the partnership with Ishan Kishan, he was the one who was ahead. After that, while fielding, two or three balls went to him consecutively, to his right and left. He was safe as houses,” the former India captain said.

Jadeja particularly appreciated Axar’s reliability, noting that the all-rounder delivered whenever the team required a contribution. Whether India needed runs, wickets or dependable fielding, Axar was able to provide support.

“He came to bowl extremely late, but when he came, he did what you expect from him. Whether in batting, bowling, or fielding, he is like a bank. When you need a loan for anything, you go to him, and he delivers. In batting, he went at No. 5 today, although I still believe Ishan Kishan and Naman Dhir should have gone ahead. However, he does his job,” he added.

Axar’s contribution was not limited to stabilising India’s innings. During his 46-run knock, he struck five fours and a six, helping the visitors build a competitive total after losing wickets. With the ball, he returned to dismiss New Zealand’s final two batters, Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner, bringing the innings to an end and confirming India’s victory.

Ajay Jadeja questions Axar Patel’s batting position in the fifth ODI

Despite praising Axar’s performance, Jadeja questioned India’s decision to send the all-rounder ahead of specialist batters Ishan Kishan and Naman Dhir. He acknowledged that Axar had fulfilled his responsibility but argued that India’s batting resources could have been used differently.

According to Jadeja, Axar’s expected contribution with the bat is generally around 40 to 45 runs on a good day. He suggested that a specialist batter capable of producing a longer innings should have been given the opportunity to bat higher in the order.

“Axar Patel is performing his role. There is no doubt about that. However, sometimes you are forced to think because a pure batter was coming after him. We have not seen a century from him, or 120, and definitely not a 200. If you are sending him ahead, you are getting 40-45 on a good day,” he said on Sony Sports.

Jadeja also discussed the circumstances surrounding Ishan Kishan’s innings. Kishan scored 46 runs from 58 deliveries, but the former India captain felt that the number of wickets India had already lost restricted the way he could approach his innings.

He explained that a batter entering the crease with only two wickets down has more freedom to build an innings and attack compared with someone arriving after five or seven wickets have fallen. In his assessment, Kishan had to be more cautious because of India’s position rather than being able to play with the freedom available earlier in the innings.

“I am not saying that he didn’t play well, but you know this is the best you can get from him. He is not new. Then, if someone comes who can play long and attack, (Michael) Bracewell’s 10 overs went by, and Ishan Kishan couldn’t do anything. The way you can bat at two wickets down can’t be done when you are five or seven wickets down,” Jadeja observed.

Jadeja believes India’s best batters should get opportunities higher up the order

Jadeja’s criticism was directed more towards India’s batting-order strategy than Axar’s individual performance. He argued that teams should generally give their most capable batters the opportunity to face more deliveries, particularly when a substantial innings is needed.

The former India captain also pointed out that a batter’s best performance is an important measure of their ability. He suggested that a good day can define what a player is capable of producing, while a poor day can result in a duck regardless of whether the batter is considered average, good or great.

Axar’s performance in the fifth ODI nevertheless demonstrated his value as a versatile member of the Indian team. His 46 runs helped India reach 209, while his two wickets ensured New Zealand finished 22 runs short. Jadeja’s comments reflected both sides of the discussion: appreciation for Axar’s dependable all-round ability and questions about whether India’s specialist batters should have been promoted ahead of him.

Axar Patel delivers when India needs him

Axar’s contribution with the bat, ball and in the field made him one of India’s important performers in the series finale. His calm approach under pressure and ability to fulfil different responsibilities explain why Jadeja described him as someone the team can rely on in almost any situation.

At the same time, Jadeja’s remarks have highlighted a tactical question for India’s team management: how to balance the value of an all-rounder against the opportunity to give specialist batters more time at the crease. Axar completed his role effectively, but the discussion surrounding his batting position remains a separate consideration for India’s future ODI plans.