India all-rounder Axar Patel once again made a strong case for himself, bagging the Player of the Match award in the 2nd T20I of the 3-match series against Afghanistan on Sunday. Axar’s ability to bowl economical spells and the talent to bat in multiple positions across the batting order make him an absolute asset to the team. Axar was also a part of the India squad for the ODI World Cup 2023 before being ruled out due to an injury. The all-rounder is in a strong position to seal a spot in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, but he has competition from Ravindra Jadeja for a place in the playing XI. For former India cricketer Parthiv Patel, however, Axar should be higher in the pecking order than Jadeja.
Speaking to the broadcaster after the conclusion of the 2nd T20I in Indore, Parthiv explained what makes Axar a certain pick in the Indian team when it comes to the T20I format.
“His strength is the accuracy with which he bowls. He doesn’t bowl in the slot, most of the time. If you want to hit him, you have to hit him using the feet or make room. And using feet is not easy against him because of the pace with which he bowls,” Parthiv said on Jio Cinema.
“He is someone who can perform everywhere. In this T20 format, yes, we talk about Ravindra Jadeja, but I think Axar gives you that stability. He bowls in powerplays, and it makes him an even better cricketer,” he stated.
The former India wicket-keeper batter didn’t shy away from suggesting that Axar should be picked over Jadeja in the Indian team when it comes to the shortest format.
“In this format, yes. I think Axar brings in more variety. He doesn’t bowl in a one-dimensional way. He bats at any number. If you look at this Indian team, you need a power hitter, and Axar brings that. And in this format, Axar is ahead of Jadeja, as far as I am concerned,” Parthiv added.
