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In a surprising turn of events, India, led by Captain Rohit Sharma, unveiled a significantly altered playing XI for the third Test against England at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Thursday (February 15). The captain’s decision to bat first and the inclusion of two debutants, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, added intrigue to the match. However, the most eyebrow-raising move was the exclusion of seasoned all-rounder Axar Patel, a player known for his consistent performances with both bat and ball, often rescuing the Indian batting lineup.
Axar Patel’s omission from India’s playing XI against England
Despite being the third-highest run-scorer for India in the ongoing series, Axar found himself omitted from the playing XI. This decision, considered bold by both team management and Rohit, underlines the team’s shifting strategy. Patel’s exclusion is particularly noteworthy given his impressive series performance, amassing 133 runs at an average of 33.25 and demonstrating proficiency against English spinners.
Strategic dilemma: Axar vs Mohammed Siraj
The strategic dilemma faced by Team India centered around choosing between Axar and pace bowler Mohammed Siraj. With the return of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav‘s commendable showing in the second Test, the team management found themselves in a two-way race to finalize the playing XI. Opting for Siraj as the second seamer, the management emphasized reinforcing the pace-bowling department, leaving Axar on the sidelines..
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Axar’s all-round evolution: Stats and sentiments
Axar’s exclusion comes despite his noteworthy evolution as a batter over the past year. While his bowling performance experienced a dip in the series, securing only five wickets at an average of 41.20, Patel’s utility as a batsman in challenging situations adds a unique dimension to his overall value in the team.
Social media outcry: Fan reactions and team balance debate
The exclusion of Axar prompted strong reactions on social media, with fans expressing outrage over the decision. The ensuing debate revolves around finding the right balance between batting and bowling prowess in the team composition, highlighting the complexities faced by the team management in the selection process.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
And rohit sat Axar out. With such a weak batting line-up with inconsistent batters who are hit and miss. Dravid should literally have been sacked. Man has ruined the whole set up as a coach.
— Sharan M. (@SharanM333902) February 15, 2024
India should never have dropped Axar Patel with that batting lineup.
— Sarah Waris (@swaris16) February 15, 2024
Indian Batters refusing to score any runs in protest against the decision of coach and captain to drop comrade Axar Patel.
Love the solidarity on display.#INDvENG #CricketTwitter
— Akash (@Akashkumarjha14) February 15, 2024
I so wish Shreyas had scored 100 instead of him in the last test. If you can't score runs in flat wickets what's the point. Now with such batting line up I miss Axar even more
— Archer (@poserarcher) February 15, 2024
At 33/3 on what was reported to be a flat surface, India have lost quite a bit of momentum early on. We might miss the extra batting option in Axar, given that we have preferred Kuldeep over him
Axar averages 33 with the bat over Kuldeep's 8
So far in the series, when it comes… pic.twitter.com/zg96f1Xk1v
— Kartik Kannan (@kartik_kannan) February 15, 2024
Shouldn't have dropped Axar
— Krishna Kumar (@KrishnaKRM) February 15, 2024
Axar Patel should play as a batsman in Test team..Also he gives u extra bowling option..Ye Patidar se to 100 times acha batsman h
— Ujjwal (@iujjwal_x) February 15, 2024
When you're playing India with current form Play axar he just far better than most of the batsman
— Ram (@ram10_45) February 15, 2024
That's why I wanted to play Axar in place of Kuldeep, don't trust this fraud batting lineup.#INDvENG
— Tanishq (@boom_raaah) February 15, 2024
No way we dropped Axar despite having such an inexperienced batting lineup man 🤡
— Sahil (@SahilManUtd) February 15, 2024
Without axar Patel with this middle order don't think we will cross 400
— Ram (@ram10_45) February 15, 2024
