3 good reasons why India selected Axar Patel rather than Kuldeep Yadav for the first Test match against England
India and England are currently engaged in a highly anticipated five-match Test series as part of England’s tour of India. In the first Test, held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, India won the toss and elected to bat. While revealing the team’s combination, Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced the inclusion of two seamers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, along with the spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. Although Kuldeep Yadav was also a contender for the third spinner’s slot, the decision to go with Axar Patel seems to be the right one. Let’s delve into three key reasons behind this smart move.
1. Consistency in Selection
Axar Patel has emerged as India’s go-to third spinner in home Test series. He played a crucial role in the team’s victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year. The spin-bowling all-rounder has consistently performed well, showcasing his skills and form in other formats of the game. By selecting Axar over Kuldeep, the team maintains a level of consistency in their selection process. This decision aligns with the good work that the new set of selectors have accomplished since taking charge. While Kuldeep is not a bad option, choosing him may introduce some inconsistency in the team’s selection strategy.
2. Control through Finger-Spinning
The pitch at Hyderabad was anticipated to be a rank-turner, as reflected in England’s team selection, which included three front-line spinners. In such conditions, wrist spinners may find it challenging to extract extra turn from the pitch, as finger spinners can achieve a similar level of turn off the wicket. Batters tend to attack spinners aggressively on such venues, capitalizing on loose deliveries. Axar Patel, being a finger-spinner, provides better accuracy and control compared to Kuldeep Yadav. Wrist spinners tend to bowl a higher number of loose deliveries, which could be exploited by the opposition. Axar’s finger spin, on the other hand, offers greater control and reduces the chances of releasing loose deliveries.
3. Batting Prowess and Adaptability
Axar Patel’s batting prowess often goes unnoticed, especially in limited-overs cricket where he rarely gets enough opportunities to showcase his skills. However, in Test cricket, he has proven to be a valuable asset with the bat. The recent home series against Australia is a testament to his batting abilities. Despite not having a standout performance with the ball, Axar emerged as the best batter of the series, scoring 264 runs in five innings and boasting the highest batting average (88.00).
Batting at No. 8, he displayed excellent adaptability and technique against spin bowling. With England fielding two left-arm spinners and a leg-spinner, Axar’s proficiency in playing spin will be a significant advantage for India. He is well-equipped to handle the turning deliveries, making him the right choice over Kuldeep Yadav.
In summary, India’s strategic choice to opt for Axar Patel instead of Kuldeep Yadav in the initial Test against England appears to be a judicious decision. Axar’s consistent inclusion in the squad, coupled with his adept finger-spinning control and commendable batting abilities, positions him as a valuable asset for the team. The decision reflects a keen emphasis on balance and versatility in the playing XI.
Axar Patel’s reliability in team selection is underscored by his skillful bowling techniques, providing the team with an added edge in crucial situations. His ability to maintain control through finger-spinning offers a dependable option for the Indian side, enhancing their overall bowling prowess.
Moreover, Axar’s proficiency with the bat adds another dimension to his utility, contributing not only as a bowler but also as a capable lower-order batsman. As the Test series unfolds, the impact of Axar Patel’s inclusion on the outcome of matches will be closely observed. India’s aspiration to clinch victory in this pivotal series against England relies, in part, on the multifaceted contributions of players like Axar Patel. The team’s strategy in selecting Axar reflects a strategic approach aimed at securing success, and his performance will undoubtedly be a key factor in shaping the series’ final results.
