If it wouldn’t have been for his batting, India wouldn’t have won in Nagpur and Delhi: Ravi Shastri defends Axar Patel’s selection over Kuldeep Yadav

While Axar has been India's second highest run scorer in the Test series so far, his share in the wickets tally is just that of one.

Axar scored 84 in the first innings of the Nagpur Test to orchestrate an innings and 132 run win for India whereas his 74 against the fall of wickets in the first innings of the Delhi Test helped India go on to win by six wickets. (AP/PTI)

Listen to this article

00:00

1x 1.5x 1.8x

“Ravi Bhai, would you have gone with Kuldeep Yadav,” asked Dinesh Karthik on-air to his commentary companion during the second day of the fourth India-Australia Test in Ahmedabad. His question to Ravi Shastri was if he as the India head coach, would Kuldeep Yadav have featured in the series for India.

“Very early. But if it wouldn’t have been for Axar’s batting, this series would’ve looked a lot different. India wanted strength in their batting and they got it. Had it not been for his innings in Delhi, India wouldn’t have been able to be 2-0. And his innings in Kanpur,” answered the former India coach.

Story continues below this ad

While Axar has been India’s second highest run scorer in the Test series so far, his share in the wickets tally is just that of one. On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja (22) is the highest wicket taker in the series and Ravichandran Ashwin (19) the joint second highest.

Shastri further added on Axar’s bowling, “You couldn’t have used him previously (in the series). Because the ball was turning. Then Ashwin and Jadeja become your primary bowlers. But here, you need him. And he’s done the containing job well.”

In his 20 overs till Lunch on day two, Axar remains wicketless but has only went for 24 runs. Australia posted 92 runs in the first session on Friday with Usman Khawaja (150) and Cameron Green (95) stitching the highest partnership in the series so far.

Stay updated with the latest sports news across Cricket, Football, Chess, and more. Catch all the action with real-time live cricket score updates and in-depth coverage of ongoing matches.