All is not right with “Bapu’s” form, is it?
Axar Patel may simply want to raise his game where his current form stands. That’s not just because the ongoing T20I series against the Kiwis in their own their territory
isn’t a vital one; it’s a fine occasion in which to test one’s potential away from Indian conditions.
But the larger context here is that India need something special and more consistent perhaps from the talented all rounder that is Axar Patel. A go getter and someone who’s seldom eschewing challenges on the field, the opening game of the New Zealand series serves a classic example that where the spin bowling department stands, then our man can fare much better.
His figures from the Hagley Oval game were 51 runs from 4 overs with capturing just 1 wicket. Just 1. While he did take the big crucial wicket of Finn Allen, always so dangerous (in the first game, the right hander struck 45 off just 24), Axar emerged rather uncharacteristically with a 13 an over economy. That’s unlike him, isn’t it?
A little footwork, a whole lot of power 😮💨🚀
Axar Patel clears the ropes with a powerful strike!
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But then, is the 1st T20 international the only contest where Patel didn’t seem at his best?
In the Hyderabad T20I against the West Indies who were recently in India for a brilliant white ball series as it turned out, Axar Patel conceded 45 runs whilst taking just one wicket. However, that wasn’t the only concern. He made just 3 runs with the bat. Prior to that, in the fine win that his Indian team achieved against the Windies at Indore, Axar Patel captured just 1 wicket whilst conceding 33 runs. Economical this time, as well, but scored 20.
But whilst it may seem that a bit of unnecessary criticism may be flowing his way by the looks of what it currently seems, in truth, it’s anything but.
The struggles were clearly evident at Ranchi, in the mega win the Shai Hope led Windies team achieved in that 2nd T20 international. Despite scoring 249 runs, India went on to lose that game as the Windies struck back like a lightening bolt. But the thing that was concerning then was that Axar Patel conceded 63 runs off his spell of 4 overs. That’s going for 16 runs an over.
He’s hugely talented and a very agile fielder and someone who can score briskly when he wants to and does so! But these numbers don’t suggest great form, rather that one of India’s most committed all rounders and talented cricketers needs desperately a new lease of form. He’s 32 and quite experienced with an experience of 113 T20I’s against his name from which he’s taken 114 wickets. He’s also touching on 1,000 runs in the format.
We certainly hope that the attacking left handed batter who bowls intelligently well can rediscover his touch! There are quite a few games left.
