Although former Indian all-rounder, Irfan Pathan is happy for Shardul Thakur being included in the final Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2021, he has sympathy for Axar Patel. The all-rounder, who was initially selected in India’s 15-man squad, has now switched places with Shardul in the reserves list. With Hardik Pandya not bowling a single over in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Shardul’s inclusion was on the expected lines. 

However, not many thought the pacer would come in at the expense of Axar Patel. After all, Axar has had more than a decent form in IPL 2021. In 12 matches, the Delhi Capitals spinner scalped 15 wickets with his economy rate being just 6.5. Irfan Pathan was also saddened by the decision. Highlighting the fact that Patel received back-to-back Player-of-the-match awards in the UAE leg, the former Indian all-rounder said Patel would be thinking about what wrong he has done. 

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Tweeting about the same, Irfan Pathan tweeted, “Always felt India was one fast bowler short in the announced World Cup squad. Good for Shardul and probably good for the balance of the team; But Axar must be wondering what he did wrong.. getting selected in the first place as well as two back to back MOM in the IPL.”

Always felt India was one fast bowler short in the announced World Cup squad. Good for Shardul and probably good for the balance of the team; But Axar must be wondering what he did wrong.. getting selected in the first place as well as two back to back MOM in the IPL.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 13, 2021

Meanwhile, Axar  Patel’s World Cup dream isn’t entirely over as he’s still on the list of the reserve-players list alongside Shreyas Iyer and Deepak Chahar. Hence, he could come in any player for the 15-member final squad to sustain an injury. Hence, the southpaw should be ready to play for the team in teh marquee event. As far as Shardul is concerned, he has most probably been included owing to Hardik Pandya’s fitness issues.

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Thakur has been brilliant with the ball in IPL 2021. He was also instrumental in taking Chennai Super Kings to the final. As Thakur can contribute with the bat as well, he can be a good cover for Pandya. Meanwhile, India will be commencing its T20 World Cup campaign arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24.