World Cup 2015: To Axar Patel or Not To Axar Patel?

Axar Patel is one of the most talked about cricketers in the world, these days. He has made a wonderful start to his international career and he is looking good to be a part of Indian Cricket Team for a long time. Axar Patel, who was reluctant to play cricket in his early days, was encouraged by his father to play cricket, and it was his father’s dream to see him playing for India. Axar is now not only playing for India, but he is now making strong claims for a spot in the all-important World Cup 2015 India’s squad.

Axar Patel made his ODI debut at Dhaka against Bangladesh in June 2014, and since then, he has been bowling consistently well for Team India in One Day International (ODI) cricket. Axar has played 8 ODIs for India and he has taken 12 wickets at an economy of 4.49. Axar Patel, whether he agrees or not, he has now become a big competition for Ravindra Jadeja, who has been India’s first -choice spinner and all-rounder in ODI cricket, in the last 12 months or so.

Although, Axar Patel has made a very quick impact with his bowling, we still don’t know much about his batting potential. Whereas, Ravindra Jadeja is a very improved batsman and he has made some valuable contributions with his bat, off late. Axar Patel, as far as the 2015 World Cup is concerned, can only be looked as a specialist spinner and not as an all-rounder.

India have always preferred experienced players in the big tournaments and it’s unlikely that MS Dhoni will drop his trusted campaigner Ravindra Jadeja in the World Cup. But, having said this, it will be very difficult for the selectors to ignore Axar Patel if he keeps bowling the way he is bowling at the moment.

CONCLUSION

Axar Patel should be in India’s World Cup squad purely as a specialist spinner and not particularly as Ravindra Jadeja’s competition or replacement. Axar Patel’s presence in the squad will also put pressure on Ravichandran Ashwin, who has not been bowling consistently off late. Axar Patel should be in the squad, but Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin should be India’s first-choice spinning combination for India in the World Cup.

It is very important to understand that Axar is till very young in his career and he hasn’t played outside the sub-continent. It would be very unfair and unjust to ignore Ravindra Jadeja, who has been a very consistent performer for India with both bat and ball.