Former Indian all-rounder and now cricket expert Irfan Pathan has claimed that Axar Patel‘s bowling spell could be crucial in the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand. The iconic and gigantic Narendra Modi Stadium will host the summit clash on Sunday, March 8th.
Speaking on his own video channel, the 41-year-old stated that Axar knows the ground well. He added that if the pacers fail to dismiss Kiwi opener Finn Allen early, the left-arm spinner should be brought into the attack during the third or fourth over of the powerplay to counter the right-handed batter, making it an important match-up.
Irfan Pathan points out Axar Patel’s importance in bowling ahead of the final
Speaking on his You Tube channel, Irfan Pathan stated: “His bowling in this match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a ground he knows very well, will be very crucial. At the same time, I would also like to see that if our fast bowlers do not manage to dismiss Finn Allen, whether Axar is brought in as early as the third or fourth over in the powerplay. The way he bowls that undercut delivery, it becomes very important not to give the batter room. Our bowlers, especially Axar Patel, need to bowl in that manner and try to trap him. If that happens, he could have a very good match.”Â
Irfan Pathan further noted that Axar could prove useful against the likes of Glenn Phillips, and the vice-captain’s role with the ball becomes even more crucial as Varun Chakaravarthy has been struggling for form lately.
Irfan Pathan said: “Overall, if we talk about New Zealand’s batters, especially someone like Glenn Phillips, Axar’s role will again be very important against him. This becomes even more crucial when Varun Chakaravarthy’s form has dipped slightly. That is why all eyes will definitely be on Bapu.”Â
Against New Zealand, the 32-year-old has played seven T20Is, claiming 10 wickets at an average of 20.00, with a strike rate of 15.3 and an economy of 7.84.
Irfan Pathan’s opinion on Axar Patel going under the radar
In the same video, Irfan Pathan noted that in the ongoing World Cup after Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel has been India’s most economical bowler, yet often goes under the radar.
Irfan Pathan said: “But the way this player plays cricket, he can once again become an important factor. If we purely look at India’s bowling line-up, where you have five or six bowlers including Shivam Dube, then after Jasprit Bumrah, the bowler with the best economy rate is Axar Patel. He often goes a little under the radar. He is bowling with an economy of around eight and is doing an excellent job in the field as well.”Â
In six games, Axar Patel has claimed eight wickets at an average of 22.25, with a strike rate of 16.50 and an economy rate of 8.09.
Axar Patel is an important cog in the wheel for India and has always played the rescue act for the Men in Blue. Whether it has been with the bat, ball or in the field, Axar has stood up when the game went into clutch mode and was on the line. Axar missed out on playing in Ahmedabad in two previous games that took place here for India, as the think-tank went with Washington Sundar instead. But now with him doing well, Axar will play in his home ground.
With home crowd perfectly behind him, he will want to put in a performance on the big night against a quality side like New Zealand. If Axar performs to his best, then it can go a long way in India perhaps defending its crown. It won’t be easy as New Zealand are a quality side and boasts of multiple match-winners. If they get it right, India will be up against it. We have to wait and see how things pan out for Axar Patel and India later tonight.
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