IND vs NZ 2026: ‘This could well be his last ODI in India’ - Former RCB cricketer reflects on Jadeja's performance after tough series

Published - 18 Jan 2026, 19:12 IST | Updated - 18 Jan 2026, 19:16 IST

Former India cricketer Shreevats Goswami believes that the ongoing third ODI between India and New Zealand could potentially be Ravindra Jadeja’s last home appearance in the ODI format. While Jadeja has already retired from T20 internationals, he continues to remain an important member of India’s Test and ODI setup.

However, the experienced all-rounder has endured a difficult ODI series against New Zealand. The left-arm spinner has gone wicketless across all three matches, conceding 141 runs from 23 overs at an economy rate of over six runs per over. His struggles have not been limited to bowling alone, as Jadeja has managed to score only 31 runs across the first two games of the series. With Axar Patel currently in good form and delivering consistent performances with both bat and ball, Jadeja’s place in the ODI side has come under scrutiny.

"Ravindra Jadeja has been a stalwart for India over the years & has been a match-winner, but just get a feeling this could well be his last ODI in India? We should celebrate him before he silently exits cause India plays the next ODI only in June against England in England,” wrote Goswami on X.

Ravindra jadeja has been a stalwart for India over the years & has been a match winner, but just get a feeling this could well be his last ODI in India ? We should celebrate him before he silently exits cause India plays next odi only in June against England in England. #INDvsNZ…

Axar better than Jadeja, should've played vs NZ: Ex-batter

Jadeja endured a below-par 2025 season in the ODI format, managing to pick up only 12 wickets in 10 matches at an average of over 33. Despite the dip in form, he played a key role in providing control and balance to the Indian side during their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph in the UAE. Following the ongoing New Zealand series, India will not play another ODI until July, when the Men in Blue tour England for a white-ball series.

In home conditions, Jadeja has enjoyed considerable success in the 50-over format. He has taken 118 wickets in 87 ODIs at an average of 31.79 and an economy rate of 4.88. With the bat, he has been equally valuable, scoring 1,138 runs at home at an average of nearly 31 and a strike rate of 84.48. Jadeja also played a crucial role in India’s home ODI World Cup in 2023, where he claimed 16 wickets and scored over 100 runs in 11 matches.

Overall, Jadeja’s ODI career numbers remain impressive. In 210 matches, he has scored 2,893 runs and taken 232 wickets, including 13 half-centuries and two five-wicket hauls.