Axar Patel, India
Axar Patel. Image Credits: BCCI

Axar Patel was one of the surprising names in the 15 members, Indian squad, for the T20 Worldcup 2021 and some deserving players have paid the cost for the all-rounder’s inclusion as well. India decided to drop Yuzvendra Chahal from the squad with Rahul Chahar getting the nod and also, Shikhar Dhawan has been left out of the squad.

India has opted for MS Dhoni as the mentor of the side for the T20 Worldcup alone while R Ashwin has made a surprise recall into the Indian squad as well. However, there has been a lot of talks over Axar Patel getting a chance in the 15 member squad ahead of the proven performers, and here are 3 reasons why Axar Patel didn’t deserve a spot in the Indians squad for the T20 Worldcup 2021.

3 Reasons Why Axar Patel Didn’t Deserve A Spot:

Axar’s Average Limited Over’s Numbers

Axar Patel
Axar Patel (Image Credit: Getty)

Axar Patel made his debut for India in 2014 and was part of the Indian squad for the 2015 Worldcup. However, he hasn’t justified his selection in the team as so far he has taken 9 wickets in the 12 T20 internationals for India at an average of 32.11. He has been seen as more of a bowler who can bowl those defensive lines consistently rather than a wicket-taker who can change the match.

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Axar has been picked as a spinner who can bat as well but his numbers with the bat are pretty ordinary for a reputed all-rounder. He hasn’t managed to score a fifty so far in any international game and despite that, he has been seen as someone who has the ability to bat. Meanwhile, Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur have proven their abilities with the bat already with the numbers backing them.

Lack Of Wickets In IPL In UAE

Axar Patel, Mohammad Kaif
Axar Patel. (Photo- BCCI)

Axar Patel has been bowling tough lines and has always stopped the run flow from one end. He fires in from the left arm round action similar to a Ravindra Jadeja but the latter has offered a lot more with the bat and in the field. Axar could become effective only in turning pitch when one goes straight and one can turn while he can be hit through the line on flat pitches.

His overall economy rate in the last two IPL editions has remained good but his wickets column has been emptier too. He has picked up just 9 wickets in the 15 games for Delhi Capitals last year but still was one of their key contributors. His 2021 IPL numbers have been far better though where he has picked up 6 wickets in 4 games in India. It would have been more appropriate for a seam-bowling all-rounder to have taken his place in the squad.

Krunal Pandya Provides More Options For India Than Axar

Axar Patel
Axar Patel[photo: Twitter]
Axar Patel has been preferred over Krunal Pandya for the slot in the Indian squad and that has raised a lot of questions. Krunal has been really good with the bat in recent times in the international circuit and his debut ODI series against India showed glimpses too.

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India does not have many backup options for Hardik Pandya, and Krunal would have ideal instead of Axar. Krunal can bat in the top order if needed and he provides two or three overs with the ball as well which might be the need of the hour for India. He is an excellent fielder and his selection would have made more sense.

Also Read – 3 Reasons Why Deepak Chahar Deserved A Place In India’s Squad For T20 World Cup