‘Probably the reason we went with Axar’ – Rohit Sharma explains reason behind picking Axar Patel over Kuldeep Yadav

India’s team management has picked Axar Patel over Kuldeep Yadav in the first test against England In Hyderabad. English skipper Ben Stokes chose three spinners in the England squad and only one pacer Mark Wood. Many of the cricket fraternities were surprised by this decision.

On the other hand, skipper Rohit Sharma chose three spinners too. Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja & Axar Patel respectively. Ashwin and Jadeja were confirmed as starters for the first test But cricket fans were waiting for India’s third spinner announcement.

There were lots of speculation between Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Opinions leaned towards Axar’s selection because of his handy batting skills in the late order. India’s team management also thought the same.

Axar Patel, known for his all-round performances in home Tests

Apart from bowling, he is equally good for his batting too. He is a very handy batter in late order and will bring a great balance in the team. But it was not an easy decision for Rohit.

“It was a tough one (to leave out Kuldeep Yadav), and we thought a lot about it. Axar, whenever he has played, he has done well and bats really well in these conditions. He gives his batting depth as well. He got some really good scores the last time we played against Australia. Probably the reason we went with Axar,” Rohit said during the toss.

Indian former spinner Anil Kumble has his opinion too. “This surface is more suitable to Kuldeep Yadav, it’s not a grand turner. But it will certainly spin. Axar gives you a bit of a batting depth, and also because of his success against England. He bowls wicket-to-wicket. One can turn, one can go straight,” said Kumble on Jio Cinema.

“Yes, Virat’s absence certainly put some pressure on Rohit Sharma. This is the first game after 12 years when you don’t have (Cheteshwar) Pujara, Kohli, (Ajinkya) Rahane in the XI. It certainly put some pressure on Rohit.”

English openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley started their innings brilliantly. They were 55 for no loss in the first eleven overs. India’s spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin gave the first breakthrough. The next six wickets fall rapidly for England. Thanks to their skipper Ben Stokes for his fighting knock. He scored a brilliant 70 off 88 balls, including six fours and three sixes. The three Lions first innings ended on 246 runs.