IND vs NZ 2026: Aakash Chopra raises concerns over Ravindra Jadeja's ODI form after underwhelming Rajkot outing

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has pointed towards Ravindra Jadeja's underwhelming outing in the second ODI of the series against New Zealand as a big concern for the player and the team going forward. Even in the first ODI, Jadeja was one of India's least effective players.

Chopra questioned the pace at which Jadeja scored his 27 runs in Rajkot. He also mentioned that the all-rounder has not had the best of on-field returns since the 2025 Champions Trophy.

"There is a question mark because he was playing extremely slow. Of course, it was a rebuilding phase, but he found little form, scored a few runs, and then he got out. That's not good. The ODI format is not going in Jaddu's favor. Since the Champions Trophy, if you look at his bowling numbers, they are not looking good at all and his batting numbers are also not looking good. It is not a good story," shared Chopra in a video on his YouTube channel.

Chopra also remarked that Jadeja's bowling has also been off colour recently. He underscored Jadeja's modest numbers with the ball in his recent five ODIs.

"Jadeja's bowling, five matches, the situation is very bad. He has not done very well. The average is close to 250. The economy has been above six. Whichever way you look at it, a run-out was also missed, he isn't able to field well and is not scoring runs with the bat," he noted.

Jadeja has been wicketless throughout the series and has scored only four and 27 in both outings so far. The third match is anticipated to be a crucial one for the experienced cricketer with the 2027 World Cup a crucial one for both himself and the cricketer.

India will enter into the third ODI in Indore on the back of a seven-wicket defeat in Rajkot. The series-deciding clash is scheduled to be played on January 18. Shubman Gill & Co. will aim on putting in a much better performance.