"Jadeja Might Be First Pick But..." - Aakash Chopra Hails Axar Patel

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra lauded Axar Patel for showcasing his skills and proving his worth in the recently concluded T20I series against Australia. Chopra said that Axar’s performances have made selectors consider him equally good as Ravindra Jadeja.

Axar Patel played a crucial role in India’s final T20I victory against Australia, scoring 31 runs off 21 deliveries and taking one wicket for 14 runs in four overs. The left-arm spinner proved effective throughout the series, securing six wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.20.

Axar Patel Also Scored Runs In Batting – Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra acknowledged Axar Patel’s all-around contribution in the last two matches. Chopra mentioned that Axar made a strong case for his selection for the T20I team.

“Axar Patel, in my opinion, because you haven’t given him a place in T20Is now. He is not even part of the team for South Africa. Ravindra Jadeja comes back as the vice-captain. The absence of dew in Raipur and Bengaluru helped his (Axar’s) cause. He also scored runs in batting,” Chopra said.

“So his Player of the Match performances in the last two matches will make you think about him, or else you wouldn’t even have thought about him, that Ravindra Jadeja is our first pick but Axar is constantly there. He said ‘Jaddu might be your first pick but I am equally good’,” he added.

Axar Patel has been excluded from India’s T20I squad for the South Africa tour, with selectors opting for Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, and Kuldeep Yadav as spinners. Despite missing out on the T20Is, Axar has secured a spot in the ODI squad.

Mukesh Kumar Is Growing In Confidence – Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator praised Mukesh Kumar for his growing confidence and bowling contributions in various formats. Chopra highlighted that Mukesh Kumar ticked a “huge mark” with his consistent and impactful performances.

“If I see after that – Mukesh Kumar. The boy is growing in confidence. He is now in the team for every format, bowls at different stages, and picks up wickets. If we talk about the Bengaluru game, there also two wickets in two balls, brings India back into the game.”

“If we talk about the first match, he gave only five runs in the last over and was instrumental in India’s win. He has been very good whenever he has played and at different stages. So Mukesh Kumar – again gets a huge tick mark,” Chopra further added.

Also read: “Only Speak When…” – Axar Patel Shares Cryptic Post After SA T20Is Snub