Suresh Raina expressed his belief that Axar Patel has solidified his spot in India’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Axar put up an impressive performance in the first T20I against Afghanistan, registering figures of 2/23 in four overs as India successfully restricted Afghanistan to 158/5. The Indian team went on to chase down the target, winning the match with six wickets and 15 deliveries to spare.
During a discussion on Colors Cineplex, Suresh Raina was questioned about Axar Patel’s position in India’s T20 World Cup squad, especially given the competition with Ravindra Jadeja. Raina replied,
He (Axar) bowls in the powerplay. He has done well whenever he has batted. (Pragyan) Ojha can tell better about his trajectory as he is himself a left-arm spinner. He varies his pace, the way he dismissed (Rahmanullah) Gurbaz. I feel his ticket is confirmed.”
Suresh Raina suggested that Ravindra Jadeja’s performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) could play a crucial role in determining his inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad. The southpaw explained,
It needs to be seen how much they are thinking about Jadeja. He has definitely been rested because there are five Test matches against England. Jadeja is an impact player. It will depend a lot on the IPL performance, the rhythm you are in, and the self-confidence you have.”
Axar Patel has taken 47 wickets in 49 T20I innings with an economy rate of 7.34, while Ravindra Jadeja has claimed 53 dismissals in 64 T20I innings with a slightly better economy rate of 7.10.
“Axar should be kept in the T20 WC Squad”- Pragyan Ojha
Pragyan Ojha agreed with Suresh Raina, stating that Axar Patel should be included in India’s T20 World Cup squad. He explained:
He should be kept. When a bowler or an all-rounder remains in and out of the team and performs whenever given a chance, it means his game-reading sense is top-class, his game awareness is always intact.”
Pragyan Ojha further mentioned that Axar Patel has showcased his skills in all three facets of the game whenever he has been given the opportunity.
It’s not easy to be in another player’s shadow. We repeatedly talk about Ravindra Jadeja but Axar Patel has created an impact whenever given a chance both in batting and bowling, and he is a good fielder as well. He fields at point, just like Ravindra Jadeja.”
Pragyan Ojha acknowledged that making a choice between Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja would be a challenging decision. He pointed out that while Axar is versatile, being effective in both the powerplay and death overs, Jadeja’s experience could give him an edge.