Ravindra-Jadeja-and-Axar-Patel. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Despite being in the preliminary squad for the ODI World Cup in 2023, Axar Patel had to make room for Ravichandran Ashwin as the prior suffered a left quadriceps strain, which ruled him out of the tournament. Since making his return, the all-rounder has been exceptional in the shortest format and is now one of the first players on the team sheet.
He was adjudged the Player of the Match for the second T20I against Afghanistan following which, former cricketer Aakash Chopra stated that the 29-year-old can eventually represent India ahead of Ravindra Jadeja in the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, he reminded that the latter was the vice-captain of the team during their South Africa tour. It remains a bit complicated at the moment but Chopra picked Axar over Jadeja for the mega tournament.
“Axar Patel was given the Player of the Match award. I am scared when Axar gets the Player of the Match because he was dropped when he got two successive Player of the Match awards last time. They didn’t take him to South Africa and don’t know what they will do now as well,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“There is no clarity yet whether Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel is your first spinner who can bat at No. 7. It’s Axar Patel in my book. However, because the Indian team made Jaddu the vice-captain in the last series, maybe the team is thinking about Ravindra Jadeja,” the former India opener added.
It was extremely surprising the way Rohit got out: Chopra
On his very first ball, India skipper Rohit Sharma danced down the track intending to go over mid-off but failed to connect with the ball as it dislodged his stumps. With that, the 36-year-old got out on zero in two successive matches, which is a bit concerning at the moment. Chopra meanwhile was surprised by Rohit’s intent and stated that the cricketer usually doesn’t play such shots.
“It was extremely surprising the way Rohit got out. He was playing just his first ball. He doesn’t play such shots. The ball went and hit his stumps. He got run out in the last match and was bowled for zero in this match. He hasn’t scored a single run in this series thus far,” Chopra stated.