He has barely played any cricket

Former India batter Aakash Chopra expressed surprise over seasoned all-rounder Axar Patel’s non-selection for the three-match ODI series against South Africa. While he welcomed Ravindra Jadeja’s return to the one-day squad, Chopra opined that the selectors ought to have explained why Axar has not been picked.

Axar was a key member of the Indian team that won the 2024 T20 World Cup. He also came up with handy performances during the Men in Blue’s 2025 Champions Trophy triumph and has been the unsung hero in a number of games of late.

In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra urged the selectors to explain the rationale behind the all-rounder’s non-selection. Claiming that there was no reason for Axar to be rested, the former India opener commented:

“Axar’s non-selection, I do not understand. Ravindra Jadeja has come in. This makes it clear that only one of the two can play in the XI. It feels like a game of musical chairs, unless somebody tells us otherwise. How can you rest Axar? He didn’t go to England. After IPL, Axar Patel didn’t play any cricket till Asia Cup. It was a break of 3-4 months.

“He didn’t play the two Tests against West Indies. He played a few white ball games in Australia. Then he played a match in Eden Gardens, but he was not picked for the Guwahati Test. He has barely played any cricket. Why does he need a break unless there is a niggle? But if there is a niggle, just inform everyone,” the 48-year-old went on to add.

Axar played the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The 31-year-old picked up two wickets in the match and scored 42 runs.

“Will you still not select him?” – Aakash Chopra backs Harshit Rana’s inclusion for IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Pacer Harshit Rana has been trolled on social media in recent times as he has been consistently selected across formats. Chopra, however, backed the young right-arm fast bowler’s inclusion in the ODI squad, pointing out to his four-fer in his previous one-dayer against Australia. He stated:

“Harshit Rana. Let me remind you, the last match he played for India in ODIs, he took four wickets. Will you still not select him? Prasidh Krishna is also there. Arshdeep Singh is also there.”

Harshit has played eight ODIs and has claimed 16 wickets at an average of 20.75 and an economy rate of 5.82, with a best of 4-39.