Former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel backed Axar Patel over Ravindra Jadeja among left-arm spinners for the T20 World Cup at the West Indies and the U.S.A. in June. However, Axar Patel has been in sublime form in the ongoing series against Afghanistan, picking up four wickets in two games at an average of ten and an economy of five as well. It includes a Player of the Match performance in the second T20I with figures of 2/17 in four overs as well.

Speaking to Jio Cinemas, Parthiv Patel said, “In this format, yes. I think Axar brings in more variety. He doesn’t bowl in a one-dimensional way. He bats at any number. If you look at this Indian team, you need a power hitter, and Axar brings that. And in this format, Axar is ahead of Jadeja, as far as I am concerned. He is someone who can perform everywhere. In this T20 format, yes, we talk about Ravindra Jadeja, but I think Axar gives you that stability. He bowls in powerplays, and it makes him an even better cricketer,”

However, Parthiv Patel also said that Axar Patel’s strength lies in his accuracy and the pace he bowls as well which makes it difficult for batters to use their feet against him as well. Since the start of 2023, he has claimed 15 wickets in as many outings at an average of 22 and an economy rate of under seven.

“His strength is the accuracy with which he bowls with. He doesn’t bowl in the slot, most of the time. If you want to hit him, you have to hit him use the feet or make room. And using feet is not easy against him because of the pace with which he bowls,” concluded Parthiv Patel