Veteran batter and legend Ajinkya Rahane believes Team India all-rounder Axar Patel has been an underrated star for the Men in Blue. The veteran India batter noted that Axar Patel has shown great improvement as a player in the last few years. Rahane also stated that the left-arm spinner Axar can do well with the ball in all phases of a T20 innings.
Ajinkya Rahane’s thoughts on Axar Patel being an underrated player for India.Â
Speaking on his You Tube channel, Ajinkya Rahane said: “I feel he is a very much underrated player. He has improved as a player, as a cricketer in the last two or three years. He has done really well. Whenever he’s got an opportunity as a batter, as a bowler, he has performed really well for the team. He can bowl with the new ball in the powerplay, he can bowl in the middle phase as well, and if needed, he can bowl in death overs.”Â
Ajinkya Rahane also added that a player like Axar Patel is a captain’s delight, considering his efficiency in all three departments of the game. Rahane remarked: “As a captain, when you have a player like Axar Patel in the team, you are always happy. Let’s not forget about his fielding ability as well. And also, Asia Cup is in Dubai. Most probably, the wickets will favour the spinners. So, Axar’s skill work and also experience will come in handy for the team.”
Axar Patel is part of India’s 2025 Asia Cup squad. For the record, he was the team’s vice-captain for their five-match home T20I series against England earlier this year in January. However, with Shubman Gill back in the T20I side, Axar Patel was replaced as vice-captain by Shubman Gill as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy for the continental tournament.
Ajinkya Rahane backs Hardik Pandya to do well in Asia Cup 2025.Â
Ajinkya Rahane also expressed confidence in pace-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s abilities. He pointed out that the player has performed admirably in T20Is and backed him to shine at the Asia Cup 2025.
In the same video, Ajinkya Rahane stated: “Hardik’s role in this Asia Cup will be really important. As an all-rounder, he has done really well for the team in the past. Coming at No. 5 and 6 as a batter, creating that impact, playing with a high strike rate, reading the situation, and playing according to it, he has done it all. I’m sure he can do it again.”Â
Ajinkya Rahane also opined that Hardik’s four overs with the ball will be key for Team India. Rahane added: “What I would like to see from Hardik is bowling his four overs for the team. If he can do that, bowl those four overs, the team can actually have a very good balance.”Â
For the record, India are placed in Group A of the 2025 Asia Cup with the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Pakistan. They take on UAE in their opening fixture on Wednesday, September 10th at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
Both Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya’s role will be important if India are to do well in Asia Cup 2025. They have got a very balance squad but need these two all-rounders to shine bright for the Men in Blue. Rahane has underscored the importance of these two players on his You Tube channel. India are the favourites and must guard against complacency to do well in Asia Cup 2025 and maybe win it. It’s not going to be easy but the Men in Blue will definitely be up for the challenge.
We shall see and wait to find out how things unfold and how the Men in Blue performs when the spotlight and pressure be on them. Hardik and Axar are used to it and we will find out how the others especially the youth performs under pressure. We can’t wait for the continental event to get started now.
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