WI vs IND: Using Axar Patel accurately is popping out to be difficult for Hardik Pandya, says Wasim Jaffer

India are set to play their third T20I match in opposition to West Indies on 8 August. India might be combating to save lots of the T20I collection having misplaced the primary two matches of the tour. Several questions encompass India’s crew going into the third T20I and one in every of them is using Axar Patel within the bowling division.

WI vs IND, third T20I: Weather Report

The all-rounder who has seen an amazing rise in his shares in the previous few years was not bowled for a single over within the 2nd T20I match in opposition to West Indies in Guyana, regardless of the pitch being on the slower facet. Hardik Pandya copped criticism from the watchers of the sport for a similar the place folks questioned his use of bowlers.

Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has identified that Hardik Pandya may not have fancied Axar in opposition to the left-handed duo of Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer. Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Jaffer identified that Axar was hit for runs by Nicholas Pooran within the 1st T20I, one thing that could be enjoying within the thoughts of Pandya.

“That has been the problem with Axar Patel starting from his IPL franchise to the national team. Whenever a left-hander comes into the crease, it feels like he is not going to bowl. I can understand when Nicholas Pooran is on strike, but I thought when he and Shimron Hetmyer got out, I was surprised that he was not thrown the ball there. Obviously you had Yuzvendra Chahal to bowl his final over and I was honestly surprised that he did not bowl,” Jaffer mentioned on ESPNcricinfo.

Jaffer additional added that it was going to be a problem for Hardik Pandya to handle his bowler in the remainder of the collection.

“It is going to be a challenge for Hardik Pandya as to when and how to use Axar Patel. In the 1st T20I he bowled him in the powerplay. He got hit for a 6 and a 4 by Nicholas Pooran and that’s a risk that you need to take,” Jaffer mentioned forward of the third T20I match.

India are in determined want of a win in opposition to West Indies. They are already 2-0 down within the collection with the batting unit not turning up in each matches. Jaffer felt that India wanted a fearless method on the high, one thing that may come in the event that they exchange Ishan Kishan with Yashasvi Jaiswal.

“We know that Ishan Kishan has struggled in the T20 internationals, so give him a break. He might come back stronger when he plays next,” Jaffer mentioned.

“I would pick Yashasvi Jaiswal without a doubt just because he brings that fearlessness. He plays spin well and his batting against fast bowling is exemplary. He’s right at the peak of his game, high on confidence, so why not throw him in the mix and see what you get? He’s got runs in Tests and he’s looking for an opportunity. You might get a breath of fresh air like you did with Tilak Varma, so why not?,” Jaffer concluded on the matter.

Edited By:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published On:

Aug 8, 2023