Axar Patel set to get the nod ahead of Kuldeep Yadav to feature in the third Test at Pallekele

Ravindra Jadeja stole the show on at the SSC stadium when India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the second Test of the series. Jadeja weaved magic with the ball in the second inning which saw Sri Lanka suffer a humiliating loss against the visitors. Apart from picking a 5 wicket haul in the inning, Jadeja also picked up a one match ban for misconduct which will see him miss out on the third Test at Pallekele.

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However, the absence of the world’s number on Test bowler will not be much of a worry for coach Ravi Shastri considering the fact that they have already clinched the series by winning the first two Tests of the three match chapter. Left arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav who is already in the squad was the clear favorite to fill in the place for Ravindra Jadeja. But in an amazing turn around of events left arm spinner Axar Patel has not only broken into the contention but is now leading the race. According to reports, the Gujarat-born bowler is now Shastri and Kohli’s first choice to grab the opportunity.

Axar Patel was a part of the India ‘A’ team that defeated South Africa ‘A’ and Afghanistan ‘A’ in a tri-series yesterday. The team was mentored by the legendary Rahul Dravid and the whole team along with Axar himself was clinical throughout the campaign. Due to the completion of the series, Patel is now available for selection in the senior team. According to BCCI official, Axar Patel is a perfect replacement for Ravindra Jadeja considering the fact that both are left arm spinners. It is known to everyone that left arm spinners have tasted a decent amount of success in the world of cricket in recent times.

“Since Axar will be finishing his one day engagements by Tuesday evening, he can join the team by Thursday (August 10). Logically, he is a like for like replacement in absence of Jadeja,” a BCCI official, who can’t be officially quoted, had told PTI on Tuesday morning.

Off spinner Jayant Yadav’s name has also been in the reckoning but there are very less chances of him to get selected. The reason behind the same is that the player lost his father recently and had to return home from South Africa. Another source from the team management spoke to TOI about Axar Patel’s chances. according to him Axar will be the priority because of his ability with the bat which gives him an added advantage over Kuldeep yadav.

“Axar is someone who can do a Jadeja with the bat too, though he averages just 14.16 and has a highest score of 38 in ODIs. The left-hander, though, has some decent knocks in domestic cricket, averaging 48.45 after 23 games in first-class cricket, with 10 fifties and a hundred, besides taking 79 wickets.” he said.

If India stick to playing two spinners in Pallekele, something which they have do make the ball bounce as much as Jadeja, which is what we’re looking for. He can be dangerous in these conditions,” added the source.