Axar Patel’s excellent show with the bat while batting at No.3 position for the Delhi Capitals against the Gujarat Titans recently has triggered a debate. The fans on the social media are comparing Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, whether India needs to pick the lanky all-rounder over Jadeja in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja?
Speaking about Axar Patel and Jadeja, both are left-arm spinners, both are excellent fielders, and both can bat well. But in terms of T20 batting skills, the fans feel that Axar is more equipped to play the big shots as compared to Jadeja. Speaking about their performances in IPL 2024, Axar has scored 123 runs in nine matches at a strike-rate of 132.36, while Jadeja has scored 157 at a strike-rate of 131.93.
But it is the six-hitting, a key element of T20 cricket, where Axar seems to have outshone his more illustrious compatriot. While Axar has smashed 5 maximums so far, Jadeja has managed to hit just three.
Axar Patel or Jadeja for T20 World Cup?
In terms of bowling, Axar has taken seven wickets in nine matches at a fantastic economy rate of 7.06. Considering wickets have been flat, it is a terrific performance. He has also bowled 53 dots in the 186 balls he has bowled in IPL 2024.
On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja has been bowling more on the spin friendly track of Chepauk. Jadeja has taken only four wickets in IPL 2024. He has also bowled less number of dot balls as compared to Axar.
There’s no doubt that Ravindra Jadeja has been a match-winner for India in crucial junctures. However, Axar Patel’s numbers cannot be ignored so easily. It remains to be seen how will seal the place for being the second spinner in India’s playing XI for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Editors pick
