Star all-rounder Axar Patel is set to return to international cricket as India faces Australia in the upcoming first T20I on Thursday. Following an absence of more than two months from national assignments, Patel is determined to stake his claim for a spot in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup in June 2024.
Axar Patel faced the unfortunate setback of being ruled out from the ICC World Cup 2023 due to a left quadriceps strain. As a key player for the Indian cricket team across various formats, renowned for his left-handed batting and slow left-arm orthodox bowling, Patel’s absence was a significant blow to the team.
Axar Patel in a conversation with JioCinema said, “I was disappointed to miss the World Cup, but this is a great opportunity for me to get back into my process”.
The injury, sustained during the Asia Cup, forced him to miss the crucial final. Despite optimistic expectations for a speedy recovery, Patel was unable to fully regain function within the necessary lapse of time.
Nevertheless, Axar Patel can prove to be a formidable presence in T20Is, showcasing skills with both bat and ball. The 29-year-old will aim for a spot in the squad, along with up to four other all-rounders, including Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar, and Shivam Dube.
Axar Patel T20 showcase before World Cup 2024
Axar Patel will have a lot of chances to demonstrate his abilities in the shortest format to selectors, as India is scheduled to play an extensive amount of cricket before the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is slated to take place in the USA and West Indies.
Their schedule includes a five-match T20I series against Australia starting Thursday, followed by a three-match series away against South Africa, and finally, a three-match home series against Afghanistan.
In terms of statistics, Axar Patel holds an average of 20.50 in the 45 T20Is he has participated in since making his debut in 2015, accumulating a total of 328 runs. As a bowler, he has secured 39 wickets with an average of 26.20.
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