In the opening One Day International (ODI) against England on February 6, 2025, at Nagpur’s Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, India secured a commanding four-wicket victory. This win was significantly bolstered by standout performances from Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and notably, Axar Patel. Gill top-scored with 87 runs, while Iyer contributed a swift 59. However, it was Axar Patel’s impressive 52 off 47 balls that not only solidified India’s position in the match but also ignited discussions about the team’s composition ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Axar’s innings came at a crucial juncture, forming a pivotal 108-run partnership with Gill. His ability to handle spin with ease and accelerate the scoring rate showcased his value as a left-handed batsman in the middle order. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted Axar’s performance, suggesting that his emergence as a reliable left-handed option might influence the team’s selection dynamics, particularly concerning wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.
Manjrekar noted, “Before the match started, there was a suggestion from me that maybe Rishabh Pant could be tried only with the Champions Trophy in mind. Plus, India would have a left-hander in the top six or seven. Axar Patel is a great option to have because this is a guy, we have seen him bat in Test matches for India and he has a batter’s temperament.”
Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive batting style, has had a mixed journey in limited-overs cricket. As of August 2024, he has played 31 ODIs, amassing 871 runs at an average of 33.50, including one century and five half-centuries. Despite his evident talent, Pant has struggled to cement his place in the ODI squad, often facing competition from other wicketkeeper-batsmen and all-rounders.
In the first ODI against England, KL Rahul donned the wicketkeeping gloves, a role Pant has frequently assumed in the past. Rahul’s versatility as a top-order batsman and competent wicketkeeper provides the team with strategic flexibility. With Axar Patel’s recent batting exploits, the team management faces a pleasant dilemma: how to balance the squad to maximize both batting depth and bowling options.
Axar’s proficiency against spin, especially on subcontinental pitches, adds a valuable dimension to India’s middle order. His left-handedness offers the right-left combination that can disrupt bowling strategies, making it harder for opponents to settle into a rhythm. This advantage becomes particularly significant considering the spin-friendly conditions anticipated in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Manjrekar further elaborated, “Boy, he looked good against spinners. India have had a problem in the middle overs where they have struggled to find batters who are competent against spin. Because this Champions Trophy is going to be played in our part of the world, there’s going to be a lot of spin impact on the games.”
The emergence of Axar as a dependable batting option may lead the selectors to reconsider the composition of the playing XI. While Pant’s aggressive batting and match-winning capabilities are well-recognized, the team might opt for the balance and depth that Axar provides, especially if Rahul continues to perform adequately as a wicketkeeper-batsman.
As the series progresses and the Champions Trophy approaches, the Indian team management will closely monitor player performances to finalize a squad that offers both stability and dynamism. The competition for spots, particularly in the middle order and wicketkeeping roles, underscores the depth of talent in Indian cricket.
In conclusion, Axar Patel’s recent performances have not only strengthened his case as a key player in India’s ODI setup but have also prompted a re-evaluation of team strategies and player roles. The ensuing selection decisions will aim to harness the team’s strengths, ensuring a well-balanced and formidable lineup for the challenges ahead.
