Axar Patel honing his left-arm spin for nearly 30 minutes in the nets is a common sight, but questions about his possible return to India’s playing XI for the crucial match against Zimbabwe add significance
to the scene.
Axar was left out in favour of Washington Sundar in the previous match against South Africa at Ahmedabad, causing an uproar among fans and pundits.
From a cricketing viewpoint, it was not an unreasonable decision, as the management aimed to use Washington’s off-spin against South Africa’s hard-hitting left-handers, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, during the Power Play.
However, the strategy, heavily dependent on match-up calculations, did not succeed as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed both De Kock and Rickelton in the Power Play phase.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had hinted at this.
“We spent so much time deliberating about the 11. I guess the only way that it sort of didn’t play into our hands is if we did have the ideal start like we did today with getting Quinton and Rickelton out so early. We were kind of looking at matchups more in the middle. And then obviously, someone has to give way,” Doeschate was quoted as saying after the 76-run defeat to the Proteas.
This result has made India’s two remaining Super Eights matches must-win affairs, the first of which is against Zimbabwe on Thursday.
Zimbabwe also has two left-handers in their top-order — opener Tadi Marumani and Ryan Burl at No. 4.
Therefore, can Washington retain his place in the eleven, or will Axar return, disregarding match-ups?
The unavailability of Rinku Singh allows the team management to recall Axar without dropping Washington, though they could also include Kuldeep Yadav.
Beyond the calculations, Axar should be a definite choice for the Super Eights and further due to his ability to target the stumps.
He has proven reliable with the ball, taking six wickets from three matches at an average of 12.16 and an economy rate of 6.63.
Will The Pitch Favour Axar?
The Chepauk pitch for the match against Zimbabwe is expected to be a blend of red and black soil, with the latter being dominant.
Thus, the pitch might allow batters to play more freely, increasing the value of Axar’s consistent bowling.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasised that team selection is based on each player’s contribution rather than just statistics.
“We don’t look at averages and stats and all that stuff. We look at who can deliver more at that number. And Axar has done fabulously well. There will always be people talking about it, but I think that’s the way we want to go in future as well,” he had said.
Gambhir’s perspective is fitting for the current situation.
(With inputs from Agencies)
