Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly questioned the national selection committee's decision to leave all-rounder Axar Patel out of the squad for the first One Day International against South Africa. The remark, made on Ashwin's popular YouTube channel, has sparked a fresh debate about the consistency and logic behind team selections.
Ashwin's Direct Critique of Selectors
In a detailed analysis of the squad announced for the opening ODI in Johannesburg on December 1, 2025, Ashwin did not mince his words. He pointed out the apparent contradiction in Axar Patel's exclusion, especially considering the team's recent composition and the player's proven utility. The first ODI of the three-match series is scheduled for December 19 at the Wanderers Stadium.
Ashwin emphasized Axar's value as a genuine all-rounder who provides balance. "When you look at the squad," Ashwin stated, "and you see a player of Axar's caliber missing, you have to wonder if something is wrong with the process." He highlighted that Axar is not just a spinner but a reliable batter capable of changing the game in the lower middle order, a role India has often struggled to fill adequately.
The Squad Composition and the Missing Piece
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for the initial ODI, led by KL Rahul. The spin department for this match includes Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar, with Ravindra Jadeja as the primary all-round spinning option. Ashwin's argument centers on the fact that Axar Patel offers a similar, and in some conditions more potent, skill set compared to some of the chosen players.
Ashwin specifically questioned the criteria being used for selection. Is it current form, past performance, or conditions? He recalled Axar's impactful performances in the past, both with the ball and crucial cameos with the bat, suggesting that his omission seems inconsistent. This isn't just about one player, Ashwin implied, but about the message it sends regarding the value of multi-dimensional cricketers in the modern 50-over game.
Broader Implications for Team Balance and Policy
This public questioning from a senior and respected figure like Ashwin puts the spotlight squarely on the selection panel chaired by Ajit Agarkar. It raises several critical questions about the roadmap for the Indian ODI team. With major tournaments on the horizon, is there a clear plan for the all-rounder's slot? Does this decision indicate a shift in strategy, or is it an isolated oversight?
The debate goes beyond Axar Patel. It touches on the perennial issue of how Indian selectors manage a vast pool of talent. Ashwin's comments have resonated with many fans and analysts who also found the omission puzzling. The selection of Washington Sundar, while he is a talented player, directly contrasts with Axar's absence, given their comparable roles.
As the team prepares for the challenging South African tour, this controversy adds an extra layer of scrutiny. The management's explanation, or lack thereof, and the team's performance in the first ODI will be closely watched. If the team's balance seems off or the lower order falters, Ashwin's "something wrong" query will echo even louder, demanding accountability and clarity from the decision-makers in Indian cricket.
