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Although the countdown to the 2027 ODI World Cup is more than 12 months away, India have already started ticking the boxes. As per a report, head coach Gautam Gambhir and selectors have pencilled in Axar Patel as India's number-one spin-bowling all-rounder for South Africa.

Team management is said to be keen on constructing a well-balanced side fitted for conditions in South Africa, where depth in batting and all-round ability are expected to be significant factors. Consequently, Axar has leapfrogged seasoned Ravindra Jadeja in India's ODI World Cup aspirations.

An article published in The Times of India suggested that the selectors were no longer passing Jadeja's name forward as the era's main spin-bowling all-rounder in 50-over cricket. Although Kuldeep Yadav was still recognised as the foremost wrist-spinner in the country, his now-relatively weak batting was making the added contribution of a genuine all-rounder more necessary.

As per the report, the Indian team management considers Axar to be someone who will be part of the core team for 2027. Meanwhile, selectors are also grooming unders. Player Harsh Dubey to step in for the mega event.

BCCI source told TOI:

"Jadeja’s bowling in white-ball cricket hasn’t been up to the mark for some time. He played in the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025 because India expected turning pitches in Dubai. His power-hitting too isn’t at the level it was during the 2019 World Cup."

The source added:

"The team management will largely need one lead spinner in the XI in South Africa. If Washington Sundar plays, it will be a bonus. That’s why Axar’s form is so critical. Harsh Dubey is being groomed as his backup."

If he makes it to 2027, Axar will also be making his first ODI World Cup appearance in that year. He was part of the 2023 World Cup side but sat out the tournament after picking up an injury. Ravichandran Ashwin replaced him.

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The report also cited one of the reasons for the change in India's plans, Ravindra Jadeja's recent performances.

Jadeja's last ODI was during the 2026 home series against New Zealand. He scored 43 runs in three innings at an average of 14.33 and failed to pick up a wicket.

Likewise, his performances in the IPL 2026 season were also not up to the mark. The left-hander scored 265 runs in 11 matches at an average of 24.09 and a strike rate of 134.52, while taking 10 wickets in 12 matches with a bowling average of 22.40 and an economy rate of 8.39.

At 37 and with health issues of recent times, now Jadeja faces a stiff fight to get back into India's ODI plans. If the report strategy remains the same, then Axar Patel appears well set to be the key to India's attempt to win the 2027 ODI World Cup, while Harsh Dubey is being groomed to be the next option for the years to come.