IND vs BAN: 'Axar Patel Gives Better Package Than Deepak Hooda'- Tom Moody Explains India's Change In Playing XI Against Bangladesh

Deepak Hooda was replaced by left-arm spinning all-rounder Axar Patel for the current T20 World Cup Super 12 match against Bangladesh.

Axar Patel was benched in favour of the right-handed batter Hooda in the previous game played against South Africa. The Indian team, however, has decided to use the same lineup as in the opening matches against Pakistan and the Netherlands. 

Bangladesh is now in third place in Group 2 with the same number of points as Team India, who is currently in second place. India is in the lead because of a better net run rate. 

Tom Moody Defends India’s Selection Against South Africa

Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody feels that selection of Hooda in place of Axar for the South Africa encounter does make sense if we looked at the opposition’s bowling attack and also the conditions at the Perth stadium. 

“I think players need to be prepared to be nimble and available at any opportunity and it does make sense (that selection of Deepak Hooda over Axar Patel).

You look at the South African bowling attack, you look at the conditions at Perth stadium, you would then sort of think well maybe we do need to slightly strengthen our batting. Just because Hooda didn’t get runs doesn’t mean it’s not the right decision,“ Moody said.

Deepak Hooda Better Batter But Axar Patel Better Package: Tom Moody

Moody also stated that Hooda is a better batter but clearly Axar Patel gives team India a better all-round package as they get ready to face Bangladesh. 

“Clearly, Hooda is a better batter than Axar but you know Axar Patel is a better package. They are going back to what they feel is the better combination for them against a team that may not give that much threat or may not propose as much threat as the South African attack has.”

Whoever prevails in the contest between India and Bangladesh would likely go to the semifinals. Bangladesh had just barely defeated Zimbabwe in their previous game, while India had most recently lost to South Africa. 

Also Read: PAK vs SA: “He Is One Shot Away From Returning To Form” – Shadab Khan Backs Babar Azam