Former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar believes India may need to make a couple of changes in the playing XI for their Super 8 match against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22.
Axar to be back in India's playing XI vs South Africa
Bangar said that the Suryakumar Yadav-led India has an important decision to make regarding the spin-bowling all-rounder’s spot. They must choose between Washington Sundar and Axar Patel. Axar, who is also India’s vice-captain, played the first three group matches before being replaced by Sundar in the fourth game. Bangar reckons that Axar should be back in the playing XI against South Africa. Notably, Axar, who is Suryakumar's deputy, missed out the Netherlands clash.
“He is in my playing XI for sure because he is a high-quality player. He has performed on most occasions. Even in the game against Pakistan, he picked up those crucial wickets. He is an underrated cricketer,” Bangar said on Star Sports when asked about Axar’s place in the team.
Why Axar in place of Washington Sundar?
Bangar added that Axar offers more balance to the side. He pointed out that Axar can bat in key situations, is a good fielder, and suits the T20 format better at this stage when compared to Washington Sundar. He also mentioned that Axar’s ability to spin the ball away from left-handers makes him a valuable option. While India might consider playing Sundar, Bangar feels Axar gives the team more overall impact.
Kuldeep Yadav or Arshdeep Singh?
Apart from that, Bangar said the tougher decision could be whether to include Kuldeep Yadav as an extra spinner or continue with two main pacers, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
“I think the more difficult decision would be whether to play Kuldeep or that extra seamer, and that is a call that the team management may have to make taking into account the pitch conditions right before the start of the match,” he said.
Bangar on India vs South Africa pitch conditions
Bangar explained that if the pitch looks dry, he would prefer to play Kuldeep alongside Varun Chakaravarthy, with Axar as the third spin option. He noted that India have often done well when their spinners perform strongly. He also warned that South Africa could benefit if Varun Chakaravarthy ends up being the only specialist spinner in the side.
“India have historically had a fabulous record when the spinners have been on song. If the pitch is slightly on a drier side, I would be tempted to go with Kuldeep and Varun. Kuldeep can spin the ball away from the left-handers. That means you do not have to actually have an off-spinner in your mix,” Bangar observed.