Ravichandran Ashwin offers shocking advice to Rohit Sharma over Axar Patel's strategic role to exploit England's weaknesses

As India prepares to face England in the second semifinal of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in Guyana on June 27, veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his insights on the strategic use of spin all-rounder Axar Patel against the defending champions’ top order.

Ashwin believes that Axar can be a game-changer for Team India, especially against England’s captain and opener, Jos Buttler, and his opening partner, Phil Salt. He highlighted Axar’s versatility, describing how his ability to deliver a deceptive arm ball, slow down deliveries, and slide the ball in with the arm could pose significant challenges for England's explosive openers.

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) off-spinner believes that this diverse skill set provides Axar with multiple strategic options, making him dangerous in the early stages of the game, and that’s why Ashwin suggested the Indian cricket team hand the new ball to the left-arm spinner.

Ravichandran Ashwin backs Axar Patel as India’s key weapon against England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinal

Ashwin pointed out that the first over is always crucial, as batters are still settling in, and he feels Axar’s variations can exploit this phase effectively in the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal clash against England. He said that the 30-year-old has the ability to hit the pads with an arm ball, especially against a player like Salt, who is strong on the back foot.

India should utilize this luxury. Furthermore, Ashwin pointed out Axar’s strong match-up record against Buttler, who has struggled against him in the past. Revealing his RR teammate’s weakness, Ashwin said that Buttler’s lower trajectory while batting makes him vulnerable against Axar’s deliveries.

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “A spinner like Axar Patel bowling to Jos Buttler and Salt, he has got two toys. He can bowl a fantastic arm ball. He can slow the ball down. He can also slide it in with the arm. Which makes it three toys in his favor. In the first over, the batter is still getting into the groove.

So, when the intent is slightly less, these toys can hit him on the pad. The arm ball that he swings in the back foot, Salt is a tough back foot player. Jos Buttler's trajectory is low. When you look at it, it is a good thing for Axar Patel to bowl the first over.”

Ravichandran Ashwin reveals Axar Patel's strategic role in T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinal match against England

With India looking to maintain their unbeaten streak and secure a spot in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, Ashwin predicted Patel's performance against England's top order could be key for the Men in Blue in Guyana.

He feels Indian captain Rohit Sharma must allow Axar to bowl early in the powerplay while stressing that his effectiveness should not be just measured in wickets, as he has a great ability to change the course of the game at crucial moments.

Ashwin signed off by saying, “Axar Patel in powerplay, especially considering Jos Butler's match-up against him. He gets him out very often. When you consider that, is that an exceptional case where you can use Axar? It has been Axar's World Cup. Might not be in terms of wickets or runs. But wherever he turns, in that crucial change-maker, Axar has come three times.”