Axar Patel emerges as India’s ODI spin star ahead of 2027 World Cup
Axar Patel's all-round performance of 57* and 4/62 in the first ODI vs England reinforces his role as India's lead spinner for the 2027 World Cup.
India's selectors are reluctant to revisit Ravindra Jadeja as a first-choice ODI spinner, citing his recent white-ball bowling and power-hitting decline.
Axar's T20 form has fluctuated, including being dropped as vice-captain in March 2026, but India's ODI plans remain tied to him for a pace-heavy attack in South Africa.
The team management prioritizes a spinner who can bat in the top seven, with Axar filling that role as a spin-bowling allrounder.
BCCI source confirms Harsh Dubey is being groomed as Axar's backup for the 2027 World Cup.
Story angle
Center-right
Mostly straight facts, with a light government- or market-friendly tilt.
About how the story is framed, not whether the facts are true.
Times of India
Center-right
Mixed factuality
Who owns this?
Times Group
Bennett, Coleman & Co. (Sahu Jain family)
India's largest newspaper group by circulation.
Wikipedia: Sahu Jain family