India's five-match ODI series against New Zealand began on November 4 in Auckland, with Axar Patel selected in the squad after Ravindra Jadeja was left out following a difficult West Indies series. The selection choice has reignited discussion about India's spin-bowling options in the 50-over format, particularly as the team prepares for the ODI World Cup scheduled for October 2 to November 21, 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Former India left-arm spinner Venkatapathy Raju has weighed into the debate, offering a nuanced view of both players while highlighting deeper concerns about India's bowling depth. Raju acknowledged Axar's importance to the team across all formats but pointed to specific weaknesses that need addressing before the World Cup.

"The only concern for me is the all-rounders, again because what we have seen in T20s in New Zealand, we were very good chasers. But of late, we have not been able to restrict, right? We are not able to restrict teams when we put a total on board. We are not able to restrict that because of the lack of good-quality spinners." Raju was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.

Raju acknowledged that Axar has been a valuable all-rounder for India over the years, contributing with the bat and in the field. However, he pointed out that bowling in the 50-over format presents a different challenge, as spinners need to maintain their effectiveness over a longer spell. He also feels Axar needs to rediscover some of the variations that have made him effective.

"Axar has been there for a long time. He has been the main all-rounder for us. But then, T20s – you can't say much about T20s. But in 50 overs, it is that extra overs where you have to bowl. So, he is a very big asset," he said.

The former spinner further highlighted the absence of a consistent wicket-taking partner for Axar. Drawing comparisons with India's previous spin combinations, including Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, as well as Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, Raju felt that the current bowling attack lacks a similar threat in the middle overs.

He also pointed to the injuries to several all-rounders, including Washington Sundar, and said Axar would need to take greater responsibility in the coming months.

"But then, of late, those variations are missing a bit from his bowling. The moment he sorts that out quickly (is important) because we all know about his fielding, and capability with the bat. But then, of late, we don't have those spin twins like Chahal or Kuldeep. When they were there, they were match-winners on their own, right? But now, Axar doesn't have much support. When we add Ashwin or somebody else, their combination was brilliant, like Jadeja and Ashwin."

"I think Axar also needs a wicket-taking bowler in between, which we are lacking in. He also knows that he is a very important and key player in any set-up, whether he is playing Test matches, 50 overs or T20 games. He is a very crucial figure, because we are going for all-rounders. Then, there are a lot of guys who are injured, somebody like Washington Sundar and all. Most of them are on the injury list. So, Axar has to pull up his socks and take that responsibility," he added.

Raju also drew attention to the similarities between Axar and Jadeja, particularly their fielding and batting abilities. However, he suggested that Axar's bowling has not been as threatening recently, making it important for him to improve that aspect of his game.

"It looks like, because we have Axar Patel. If you see the similarities between Jadeja and Axar, right? Both are brilliant fielders. Both of them can contribute with the bat. But then, the bowling part – slowly, we are seeing little of that rushness in Axar's bowling, right?" Raju said.

What are Axar Patel's bowling limitations?

Looking beyond the current selection debate, Raju stressed the need for India to identify and prepare players who can form the core of the team for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Citing India's successful 2011 World Cup campaign, he highlighted how the team had combined experienced players with younger cricketers who already had considerable international experience.

"So, again, if you see the 2011 World Cup, you had Sachin Tendulkar, right? Then players like Laxman and all these guys were already turning into 30s – 38, 39. So, I think they made a brilliant call by having one or two experienced players and then there were a lot of young guys who had the experience of playing more than 75 ODI games. So, I think now the time has come where you have to really, really find those people who are going to play – find those players who play more games," he added.

He also underlined the importance of having experienced players in the squad, particularly for overseas conditions. With India set to play the World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Raju believes the team will need a good balance of youth and experience, especially in the bowling department.

"Because if you see, we never had many all-rounders in T20s, and there was not much experience in this bowling line-up. But, like, we are talking about the World Cup coming in – then, mostly, people will talk about Virat and Rohit, right? Like, we need a lot of experience when you play outside India and these guys have been there. They play only one format nowadays," Raju said.

Raju further suggested that senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should feature regularly in ODIs in the lead-up to the tournament. He believes their experience and match-winning abilities could be valuable as India work towards settling on their best combination.

"So, probably they should be playing as many matches as possible till the World Cup comes in. For Rohit and Kohli, we don't have to talk much, because they both have been there for such a long time. They both have been match-winners," he added.

How do Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja compare?

Raju's concerns were not limited to India's spin department. He also pointed to the shortage of tall, hit-the-deck fast bowlers, who have become an important part of the attacks of teams such as Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. According to him, injuries have further weakened India's options in this department.

"If you see all the white-ball playing nations nowadays - like Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand – they are all having very tall bowlers and hit-the-deck bowlers. Where are we lacking in that? Because most of the guys who had that ability are on the injury list. So, the most important thing is how you adapt to them. See, we are bound to lose a couple of matches," Raju said.

The former India spinner concluded by stressing that the team management and selectors must use the time before the World Cup to identify the right combination and manage the workload of key players. He believes bowling could be India's biggest concern heading into the tournament, with both the spin and pace departments facing questions over depth and availability.

"But then, before the World Cup, if you can get your things and combination right – because here we are lacking in spin, fast bowlers also and those all-rounders who are getting injured. So, it's not only the batting - I think bowling is going to be our main concern. So, you might lose a couple of bilateral series. But probably, I think the selectors and the (team) management, I think they have to find a combination. Then, try to see that you take care of them before the World Cup," he added.