(BCCI Credit)
As India gears up to meet England in the second semifinal of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in Guyana on June 27, experienced Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the tactical deployment of spin all-rounder Axar Patel against the reigning champions’ top batting lineup.
According to Ashwin, Axar Patel has the potential to significantly influence the match for Team India, particularly when facing England’s captain and opener, Jos Buttler, alongside Phil Salt. Ashwin emphasized Axar’s adaptability, highlighting his knack for delivering a deceptive arm ball, varying his pace, and using subtle variations to challenge England’s aggressive openers.
Ashwin, who represents the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in domestic cricket, asserts that Axar Patel’s versatile skill set offers numerous strategic advantages, especially in the crucial early overs of the game. Consequently, Ashwin advocates for the Indian team to entrust Axar with the responsibility of bowling with the new ball, believing his approach could prove pivotal in shaping the outcome of the match.
Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his weight behind Axar Patel as India’s trump card in their upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal against England. Ashwin emphasized the pivotal nature of the opening over in T20 cricket, noting that Axar’s array of variations could exploit this critical phase effectively against England. He highlighted Axar’s skill in delivering an arm ball that targets the pads, particularly effective against a batsman like Phil Salt who favors playing off the back foot.
Ashwin stressed the importance of India making full use of this strategic advantage. Additionally, he pointed out Axar’s past success against Jos Buttler, revealing that the England captain has struggled against Axar due to his batting trajectory, which Ashwin believes makes him susceptible to Axar’s bowling.
Speaking on his YouTube channel:”A spinner like Axar Patel bowling to Jos Buttler and Salt, he has got two toys. He can bowl a fantastic arm ball. He can slow the ball down. He can also slide it in with the arm. Which makes it three toys in his favor. In the first over, the batter is still getting into the groove.
So, when the intent is slightly less, these toys can hit him on the pad. The arm ball that he swings in the back foot, Salt is a tough back foot player. Jos Buttler’s trajectory is low. When you look at it, it is a good thing for Axar Patel to bowl the first over.”
Ravichandran Ashwin has highlighted Axar Patel’s strategic importance in India’s upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal against England. Ashwin, looking ahead to India’s quest to maintain their unbeaten record and secure a berth in the final, emphasized Patel’s potential impact against England’s formidable top order in Guyana.
Ashwin suggested that Indian captain Rohit Sharma should entrust Axar Patel with bowling duties early in the powerplay, recognizing that Patel’s contribution goes beyond just taking wickets. He underscored Patel’s ability to influence pivotal moments of the game, indicating that his performance could be instrumental in shaping the outcome of the match for the Men in Blue.
Ashwin signed off by saying, “Axar Patel in powerplay, especially considering Jos Butler’s match-up against him. He gets him out very often. When you consider that, is that an exceptional case where you can use Axar? It has been Axar’s World Cup. Might not be in terms of wickets or runs. But wherever he turns, in that crucial change-maker, Axar has come three times.”
