T20 World Cup: India vs Australia: Axar Patel has come off with an impressive show in the ongoing India vs Australia T20 series. The slow-left arm spinner has scalped five wickets in the last two matches. Such has been his form that former India player Wasim Jaffer believes Ravindra Jadeja will not be missed in the T20 World Cup as a bowler. Follow T20 World Cup live updates with InsideSport.IN
Jadeja was not included in the squad after the player underwent knee surgery. Patel is the best possible replacement for Jadeja.
In fact, Patel has not disappointed the team management. He did not get much chances in the Asia Cup, but the last two matches against Australia. It is not only the wickets, but the way he has controlled the Australian batters has been brilliant.
Patel has a brilliant arm ball, and is known for bowling wicket to wicket. Most of his dismissals are hence, leg before wicket and bowled. And if there is spin in the offing, he does not mind giving the ball some air too.
Happy moments #INDvsAUST20I #RohitSharma #AxarPatel #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/mtBOgEQGRp
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With the T20 World Cup in Australia next month, Jaffer wants him to be a part of the Playing XI for the ICC event. The grounds in Australia are much bigger, and it will come to the aid of bowlers as well. Jaffer believes Patel’s ability to bowl in the powerplay is another positive factor for the team management.
T20 World Cup: Ex-opener Wasim Jaffer lauds Axar Patel’s consistency, says ‘Ravindra Jadeja will not be missed in T20 WC as a bowler due to Patel’
“I feel Jadeja the bowler will not be missed by India (in T20 World Cup). Going forward, India have also found someone, who can bowl in the powerplay. He can easily squeeze one or two overs. The good thing is he attacks the stumps, which makes it hard for batter. Axar can get you wickets. He bowls those hard lengths. I think India have found a good replacement for Jadeja,” Jaffer said in ESPNCricinfo’s T20 Time Out video.
However it is interesting note that Jaffer has chosen his words carefully. Patel might be able to like-for-like replacement with the ball, but Jadeja’s batting will be missed. The later has been used higher up the order as a number four or five, which meant a left-hander in the middle order.
Though Patel can shoulder responsibility with the bat too, he might not be as effective as Jadeja. The team management will however be happy to see Patel bowling consistently well.
T20 World Cup: Ex-opener Wasim Jaffer lauds Axar Patel’s consistency, says ‘Ravindra Jadeja will not be missed in T20 WC as a bowler due to Patel’
