As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, the cricketing world is buzzing with anticipation and excitement. For Team India, the challenge lies not just in preparing for the mega event but also in making crucial decisions about the squad composition. One of the key dilemmas that the BCCI faces is choosing between two talented spinners – Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.
Recently, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel weighed in on the debate of who between Jadeja and Axar should get the first nod by BCCI and also shed light on the reason behind his choice.
Axar Patel’s recent form
Axar has been making waves in the T20 format with his stellar performances in recent times. His proficient bowling and handy contributions with the bat have caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts and experts alike.
The three-dimensional Ravindra Jadeja
At the same time, Jadeja, often hailed as a three-dimensional player due to his proficiency in batting, bowling, and fielding, has also been a vital part of the Indian cricket setup. However, the southpaw has been grappling to rediscover his rhythm, especially in the T20 format.
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Parthiv Patel gives his verdict on the “Jadeja or Axar?” debate
Parthiv recently shared his perspective on the Axar-Jadeja conundrum in an interaction with Jio Cinema. The Gujarat-born cricketer acknowledged Axar’s prowess, highlighting the variety he brings to the table and ultimately went to pick him over Jadeja as India’s primary spinner in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Parthiv further emphasized Axar’s stability in the T20 format and stated that his capability to bowl in the powerplays adds another dimension to his game, making him a more effective and versatile cricketer in the T20 setup.
“In this format, yes. I think Axar brings in more variety. He doesn’t bowl in a one-dimensional way. He bats at any number. If you look at this Indian team, you need a power hitter, and Axar brings that. And in this format, Axar is ahead of Jadeja, as far as I am concerned,” said Parthiv.
“He is someone who can perform everywhere. In this T20 format, yes, we talk about Ravindra Jadeja, but I think Axar gives you that stability. He bowls in powerplays, and it makes him an even better cricketer,” he added.
