IND vs WI: Axar Patel Is Probably Behind Ravindra Jadeja - Scott Styris

Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris believes Axar Patel has fancied his chances to get selected in the squad for the ODI World Cup next year.

Axar played spectacular innings of 64 not out to guide the tourists past the finishing line with two balls left in the match. Axar pummelled three fours and five sixes, striking at 182.86, to pull off the game under West Indies’ belt.

Axar Patel steals the show

Axar smashed Romario Shepherd‘s three boundaries in the 47th over. He didn’t risk playing the big shots for the next two overs of Joseph and Jayden Seales but finished the game with a six in the final over off Kyle Mayers.

Axar was also economical with the ball, his 4.4 economy rate was the best among Indian bowlers after finishing 1/40 from nine overs.

Axar Patel can turn the ball in both directions: Scott Styris

With India to host the next edition of the 50-over World Cup in 2023, Styris is confident of Axar making it through the Indian squad as a backup for Ravindra Jadeja or the team might play both the all-rounders.

“He (Axar Patel) is probably behind Ravindra Jadeja when you look at that A (full-strength) team. But if you continue to perform like this, then there is no question that you could even play both, that’s the best part of it,” Styris said on Sports 18.

“India do like to pick spinners and a lot of them. You do like the ball turning in both directions, that’s the one thing that he does have against him when you compare him to Jadeja.

“The other thing too is the tournament being in India next year, there is where spinners will play their part, particularly through the middle, and that innings of his is what separated the two teams. His 64 off 35 deliveries, 180 strike rate, that wins you matches, not just in T20s but ODI cricket as well,” he added.

India will play the final ODI against West Indies on Wednesday (July 27) at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.

Also Read: IND vs WI: He Is Only Concerned With His Own Performance- Axar Patel’s Coach