T20 World Cup 2024: Axar Patel Boosts India's Stability Over Jadeja, Irfan Pathan Observes

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Axar Patel has brought more stability to the Indian team than Ravindra Jadeja in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Patel has been promoted ahead of Jadeja with both bat and ball in the tournament so far, showcasing better performances in both departments. Patel has taken three wickets from three matches at an average of 13 and an economy rate of 6.50 runs per over. With the bat, he scored 20 runs off 18 balls against Pakistan, batting at number four.

In contrast, Jadeja got out for a golden duck against Pakistan and has bowled three overs across three matches without taking any wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 6.50. Pathan noted that Patel has shown greater range in batting, which India should leverage. He said that Axar has managed to make a bigger impact in the Indian team than Jadeja.

Pathan's Analysis

"If you compare Jadeja to Patel, as far as the batting ability is concerned Axar Patel has more range. India needs to take that advantage since he's come in that liberty has been given to Indian team that we have Axar Patel that okay we have Axar Patel in the batting department who can bat at number eight and he can even bat at number four if the team requires as well. So the stability given by Axar Patel has been given to team India a lot more than Ravindra Jadeja," said Pathan on Star Sports.

Manjrekar's Comments

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar also commented on Patel's prominence over Jadeja and asserted that the team management does have more faith in Axar Patel. "India haven't bowled Jadeja much. Patel has been their go-to spin all-rounder. They promoted Patel to number four against Pakistan. This shows the team management backs Patel more than Jadeja," Manjrekar said.

Future Matches

With India advancing to the Super 8s, the matches will now be played in West Indies. The spinners are expected to make a bigger impact but it is to be seen if team India sticks with the duo or brings in frontline spinner such as Kuldeep Yadav or Yuzvendra Chahal.