Indian fans won’t get to see the formidable spin-pair of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav for Asia Cup 2023, as Rohit Sharma decided to bank on left-arm spinner Axar Patel over Rajasthan Royals spinner.
In 2023, Axar has played six ODIs so far and has picked up three wickets. The southpaw also has batted well lower down the order scoring 64 runs. Axar’s ability with bat in hand gives the team an edge. However, with Jadeja as the all-rounder in the team, India would have contemplated to include Chahal in the Asia Cup team, however due to inconsistent run in the team, the axe fell on the leg spinner.
The RR spinner has played only two ODIs in 2023, picking three wickets. He was also not be part of the playing XI in the ODI series against West Indies.
“Chahal was discussed, but sometimes it is the balance of the side we have to look. Kuldeep has been really good. Axar has done well, but to fit in two wrist spinners was difficult, so Chahal had to miss out,” Agarkar said while announcing squad.
India squad for Asia Cup 2023
Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan(wk), Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna.
Traveling stand-by player: Sanju Samson (wk)
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Asia Cup 2023: Axar Patel over Yuzvendra Chahal
Call it out of syllabus, but Kuldeep Yadav due to stellar performances in the ODI series against West Indies, has sealed one spinner’s slot in the Asia Cup squad. The Chinaman picked up seven wickets in three ODIs against the Windies.
Kuldeep also bowled well in the ODI series against Australia picking up four wickets. The 28-year-old’s consistent performances have sealed his spot in the Continental Cup.
Jadeja is a sure-shot starter in the playing XI for Asia Cup due to his all-around abilities. The southpaw’s tremendous rise as a batter gives India a solid option at the death. With two spinners already decided, the toss-up for their spinner will be Yuzvendra Chahal or Axar. While the latter is similar Mold player to Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal offers leg spin, which is a tempting option to have in the World Cup.
The only problem with Chahal is that he has not played much ODIs in 2023. Also, with Kuldeep edging him ahead, the leg spinner seems to have slightly fallen the pecking order. The RR spinner also does not offer anything with the bat in hand. Axar’s batting prowess have been on the rise since Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With his current form, the southpaw seems likely to edge Chahal for the Asia Cup squad.
