Another ODI, another familiar problem. India’s recent loss to New Zealand wasn’t just about missed catches or batting collapses—it exposed a deeper, more systemic flaw that veteran voices can no longer ignore. Former India opener and ex-chief selector **Kris Srikkanth** has sounded the alarm, bluntly stating, “The team is suffering,” and pointing directly at the **absence of a dependable sixth bowler** in the current ODI setup .
With all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja delivering inconsistent performances with the ball and the selectors persistently overlooking Axar Patel—a proven match-winner in subcontinental conditions—the Indian side is left dangerously top-heavy. In modern limited-overs cricket, where 300+ totals are routine, relying on just five frontline bowlers is a recipe for disaster. So why is Team India ignoring this glaring gap? And could Axar Patel be the missing piece?
Table of Contents
- The India Sixth Bowler Problem Explained
- Kris Srikkanth’s Scathing Assessment
- Jadeja’s Struggles and the Axar Patel Debate
- Stats Don’t Lie: How the Bowling Load Is Skewed
- What Other Experts Are Saying
- Conclusion: Time to Fix the Balance
- Sources
The India Sixth Bowler Problem Explained
In ODI cricket, the concept of a “sixth bowler” refers to a player beyond the core five who can reliably deliver 6–10 overs without leaking runs excessively. This role is crucial for managing workloads, breaking partnerships, and maintaining pressure through the middle overs.
Currently, India’s bowling attack leans heavily on Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and two part-timers—often Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. But when Pandya is nursing injuries (as he often is) and Jadeja’s economy rate balloons above 6.5, the fifth and sixth overs become a liability.
This forces frontline bowlers to bowl extra overs, increasing fatigue and injury risk—especially in high-stakes bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
Kris Srikkanth’s Scathing Assessment
Speaking on a recent sports panel, Srikkanth didn’t mince words: “The team is suffering because we don’t have a proper sixth bowler. Axar Patel is sitting out, and Jadeja is not giving us the control he used to. You can’t keep playing five bowlers and expect to win consistently.”
His frustration stems from a pattern seen repeatedly—most notably in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal against Australia, where India’s lack of depth allowed the Aussies to accelerate unchecked in the death overs. Srikkanth argues that Axar, with his flat trajectory, low economy (career ODI ER: 4.78), and lower-order batting, offers the perfect balance .
Jadeja’s Struggles and the Axar Patel Debate
Ravindra Jadeja remains one of India’s most decorated all-rounders, but his recent ODI numbers tell a concerning story:
- Average economy rate in 2025: **6.32** (up from 4.98 in 2022)
- Strike rate over 40 balls per wicket in last 10 ODIs
- Frequently targeted in powerplays and death overs
Meanwhile, Axar Patel has been in stellar domestic and IPL form. In the 2025 Ranji Trophy, he took 28 wickets at an average of 19. In the IPL, his economy in middle overs was a miserly **4.1**. Yet, he hasn’t played an ODI since 2023.
“Axar gives you control,” says former selector Devang Gandhi. “He doesn’t take many wickets, but he builds pressure. That’s what Jadeja used to do—and isn’t doing now.”
Stats Don’t Lie: How the Bowling Load Is Skewed
A look at India’s last five ODIs reveals the imbalance:
- Bumrah averages **10.2 overs per match**—dangerously close to the 10-over limit.
- Siraj and Kuldeep regularly bowl **9–10 overs**.
- The “fifth bowler” (often Shreyas Iyer or KL Rahul) bowls 1–2 token overs at an economy of 8+.
- No player consistently delivers 5+ economical overs beyond the main three.
This unsustainable model leaves no room for error. One injury, and the entire attack crumbles.
What Other Experts Are Saying
Srikkanth isn’t alone. Legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh recently tweeted: “Axar deserves a spot. His control is unmatched in current conditions.” Even international analysts like Ian Bishop have noted India’s “over-reliance on Bumrah” as a strategic weakness .
For more on India’s selection dilemmas, see our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-odi-team-combination].
Conclusion: Time to Fix the Balance
The India sixth bowler crisis is no longer theoretical—it’s costing matches. With the Champions Trophy and future World Cups on the horizon, Team India must prioritize balance over star power. Axar Patel may not be flashy, but in cricket’s evolving landscape, control is king. As Srikkanth rightly warns: without a reliable sixth option, even the best batting lineup won’t be enough. It’s time the selectors listened.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘The team is suffering’ – Ex-India batter highlights lack of sixth bowler
- ESPNcricinfo Statsguru: Player Performance Database
- BCCI: Official Team Records
- IPL Official Site: IPL 2025 Player Stats