Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has openly criticized all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's performance following India's seven-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the second One Day International held in Rajkot. Pathan specifically singled out Jadeja's batting approach and bowling figures as a major factor in India's loss, labeling his recent statistics as "poor numbers for any senior player". In the match, played on January 14, 2026, India set a target of 284 runs, which New Zealand successfully chased with more than two overs to spare. During his innings, Ravindra Jadeja managed to score only 27 runs off 44 deliveries, maintaining a strike rate of 61.36. Pathan, speaking on his YouTube channel, emphasized that Jadeja, playing at his home ground in Rajkot, should have aimed for a strike rate of around 80 to contribute more effectively to the team's total. He further pointed out that Jadeja has not scored an ODI fifty since 2020 and has only secured one wicket in his last five ODIs at an average of 200, which he deemed highly concerning. Pathan's comments underscore a growing debate about Jadeja's place in India's ODI squad, especially with the consistent rise and impressive form of fellow all-rounder Axar Patel. Several other credible sports outlets, including Republic World, Sportskeeda, and The Indian Express, have corroborated Pathan's criticisms and the broader discussion surrounding Jadeja's ODI future. This news is highly relevant to Indian cricket enthusiasts, particularly as the series was leveled 1-1, leading to a crucial decider.