Whether Axar Patel Can Be Successful In Other Parts Of The World Will Be Fascinating To See - Daniel Vettori

Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said that it will be interesting to see how Axar Patel goes about his business and whether he’ll be successful outside India.

The left-arm spinner has had a dream start to his Test career. He bagged 27 wickets in 3 Tests in his debut series versus England; he took a five-fer on a slow Kanpur pitch against New Zealand, and is all but certain to travel with the Indian team to South Africa.

Daniel Vettori felt that Axar Patel’s round-arm action and bowling style has suited very well with the Indian conditions, but he will have his eyes on the Gujarat spinner should he get an opportunity outside the subcontinent.

“I’ll be fascinated to see if his form translates to different conditions. Obviously an exceptional bowler in India, but because of his consistency and the fact that he bowls round arm and with a little bit of underspin – it does work in India.

“So, whether he can be successful in other parts of the world will be fascinating. But I think he deserves that chance,” Vettori told ESPNcricinfo.

Axar Patel’s skillsets provide a good balance to any team that he plays for: Virat Kohli

India captain Virat Kohli was also effusive in praise for Axar Patel. Following the conclusion of the New Zealand series, which India won 1-0, Kohli pointed out that Axar has been performing well in the shorter formats even before his Test debut and lauded the all-rounder for adapting to different formats.

“Axar is obviously an all-round cricketer. His skill sets are something that provide good balance to any team that he plays for. Precisely why he’s performing so well in the T20 format for so long and in Tests as well when he’s given the opportunity. The good thing to see is that he’s adapting his game according to the needs of the format which I think is a great sign,” Kohli said.

India will next tour to South Africa for 3 Tests and 3 ODIs. The Test series begins on December 26 in Centurion.

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