Ravichandran Ashwin, the experienced Indian off-spinning all-rounder, has expressed his confidence in Axar Patel’s ability to excel with the new ball in the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals against England. According to Ashwin, Axar’s unique skills, including his ability to bowl an arm ball, slow down the pace, and slide the ball in with his left arm, make him an ideal candidate to trouble English openers Jos Buttler and Philip Salt. Ashwin believes that Axar’s experience in bowling against Buttler, who is often got out by the spinner, will be a major asset for India in the knockout fixture.
Ashwin highlighted Axar’s impressive form at the 2024 T20 World Cup, despite not picking up many wickets or runs. The all-rounder has consistently bowled tidy spells, with five wickets from six outings at an economy rate of 7.21. Ashwin emphasized that Axar’s expertise in bowling against Buttler would be an excellent addition to India’s lineup in the semifinals, stating, “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.”
Ravichandran Ashwin (Via Ravichandran Ashwin/Twitter)
In addition to advocating for Axar to take the new ball, Ashwin also suggested that India should open their bowling with left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh to make the most of the swing on offer. He recommended bringing in Jasprit Bumrah for the second over, as Bumrah has troubled Buttler a lot in the past. Ashwin also suggested that Hardik Pandya could be an option in the powerplay, allowing Rohit Sharma to save Bumrah’s overs for the back end. “I would say, Arshdeep Singh first over. If the ball swings, second over, maybe Jasprit Bumrah. Jasprit Bumrah has trouble Jos Buttler a lot to set up the tone. If the ball doesn’t swing, there is a good chance to go straight to Axar. In fact, I would even think if the ball swings, I will even think of Hardik Pandya. Just so that I want Bumrah cushion in the back half,” he said.
The semifinals will be a critical match for both India and England, and Ashwin’s suggestions could prove to be a clever move for the Men in Blue. With Axar Patel capable of misusing English batsmen and Jasprit Bumrah’s expertise in bowling against Buttler, India could gain a significant upper hand in the match.
