Aakash Chopra Advocates for Enhanced Use of Axar Patel's Batting Skills

New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has urged the Indian team management to reconsider their approach to Axar Patel, highlighting that the all-rounder's batting skills are not being fully leveraged. The remarks followed Axar’s performance during India’s nail-biting second T20I win against England in Chennai, where he batted at No. 8 in a challenging chase of 166.

Axar’s position in the middle order sparked discussion after his dismissal in the second T20I. Coming in at No. 8, Axar was dismissed for a meager score after attempting a risky big shot, leaving Tilak Varma to handle the lower order and finish the chase. While Tilak’s composed 72* off 55 balls clinched the victory, it raised questions regarding Axar’s batting slot and shot selection, especially given his established track record as a reliable batter recently.

Chopra, analyzing the match on his YouTube channel, remarked, "There is a slight issue with having too many all-rounders. You played Washington Sundar but allowed him only one over. You included Axar, got him to bowl, yet altered his batting order to No. 8 or No. 9. Honestly, with so many all-rounders, it’s challenging to utilize them effectively. Some remain underbowled while others don’t get adequate batting opportunities."

Chopra emphasized Axar’s potential as a dependable batter, referencing his performances over the past year and his adaptability to different roles. Axar has occasionally batted higher in the order, including at No. 3 or No. 4 during pivotal moments.

"In the last year or so, he has proven to be a very responsible batter. He should be sent in earlier than No. 8," Chopra advocated.

Statistics support Chopra’s observations. In T20Is, Axar boasts a strike rate of 150 and an average of 21.85, primarily batting at No. 7. Nevertheless, in the limited chances he has had higher up the order, he has demonstrated the ability to anchor innings or play aggressive knocks.

The match against England underscored a persistent issue for India: managing a team filled with all-rounders. In the second T20I, India included three all-rounders - Axar, Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja. Chopra pointed out that this excess of all-rounders often results in the underutilization of crucial players.

"Someone remains underbowled and someone doesn’t get enough batting," he noted, stressing the need for a more strategic approach to assigning roles.

Chopra’s recommendations include advancing Axar to a higher batting position, where his capacity to deliver significant and responsible innings can be effectively utilized. "Ideally, Axar Patel should bat higher in the order... You don’t want him languishing so low in the batting lineup," he asserted.