India's star all-rounder Axar Patel recently reflected on his professional journey, identifying the T20 World Cup 2024 final as a major turning point. He noted that the tournament significantly altered public and internal perceptions of his role, moving him beyond the 'backup option' label. Addressing long-standing comparisons, Axar emphasised that he never viewed fellow left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja as a direct competitor, choosing instead to prioritise his own technical growth and individual contributions to the team.
Axar Patel reacts to ODI snub
Despite this personal breakthrough, Axar’s recent omission from the ODI squad has surprised many fans and analysts. India is currently preparing for a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which kicks off in Vadodara on January 11. While the newly announced squad features Shubman Gill returning to lead the side as captain, Axar’s name was notably absent from the roster.
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This latest exclusion marks the second consecutive ODI series for which Axar has been overlooked. The decision is particularly striking given his recent track record, including a string of strong performances during India’s tour of Australia. Although many expected him to be a mainstay in the white-ball setup following those displays, he now finds himself on the sidelines as the team moves in a different direction for the New Zealand series.
In recent squad selections for the series against South Africa and New Zealand, the Indian selectors have opted for Ravindra Jadeja over Axar. This decision comes despite Axar showing significant growth over the past year; while his bowling has remained consistently sharp, he has made noticeable strides in his batting, particularly against pace, becoming a far more confident and reliable asset in the lower-middle order.
The selection committee has decided to stick with the pairing of Jadeja and Washington Sundar, maintaining the same spin-bowling all-rounder dynamic used in the previous series. This leaves Axar in a difficult position, as he has arguably been one of India’s most vital white-ball contributors in recent seasons. His exclusion is a point of contention for many, as his absence could potentially disrupt the tactical balance the team usually enjoys.
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I have never been seen as a replacement for Jaddu bhai: Axar Patel
In a recent conversation with the Times of India, Axar expressed his belief that he had moved past the 'backup' phase of his career. He noted that team management had previously found ways to integrate both him and Jadeja into the same starting XI, proving they could coexist effectively. Following his high-pressure performance in the T20 World Cup final, Axar admitted he felt secure in his position and did not anticipate being left out of the current ODI setup.
"Absolutely. Since then or just before the T20 World Cup, I have never been seen as a replacement for Jaddu bhai. A spot was created for me. Jaddu bhai and I started playing together. I was never competing with Jaddu bhai. When I used to practice, I used to think what else I could add to my game so that they could never drop me. After the T20 WC final, I never thought I would be dropped again," Patel told TOI.
Following Ravindra Jadeja’s retirement from the shortest format, Axar Patel has firmly established himself as a cornerstone of India’s T20I lineup. While the team boasts a wealth of specialized talent like Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, Axar’s unique ability to adapt to shifting match dynamics sets him apart. His versatility ensures that he remains a tactical asset regardless of the opposition or playing conditions.
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