T20 World Cup 2022: Gavaskar backs Axar to be the key player for Rohit

Axar Patel has been in phenomenal form [Source: Associated Press]

Former Indian captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has recognised the potential in Axar Patel to be the match winner for India. Patel is contesting with Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal for a place in the Playing XI. And Gavaskar believes Patel will likely be picked in the playing XI alongside Ashwin. 

The young spinner slithered his way into the Indian squad after all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja injured himself in a freak accident during the Asia Cup 2022 in September. Since then, Axar has proved himself in every opportunity he was presented with, he has been immaculately accurate with the ball and offered support with the bat as well. 

What Gavaskar said about Axar 

"I think he will be a crucial player in the squad. If they go in with 2 spinners, that will be Axar Patel and R Ashwin. 3 fast bowlers and Hardik Pandya as the 6th bowling option. Axar, yes, he is a top fielder. He has this knack of getting wickets in any form of the game, be it Tests, ODIs, or T20Is. And as a batter, we have seen him in the West Indies, winning games for India."

"I think he will be a key cog in the wheel of Rohit Sharma’s ambitions of lifting this trophy."

Patel has especially been impressive with the ball in the ODI series against West Indies, he not only displayed his mastery over the ball but also scored some big runs. He batted with a strike rate of 150 

Also Read: This is a crucial moment for Ireland: Eoin Morgan on Ireland's win