Munaf Patel sheds light on Jadeja replacement and Kohli’s aggression

India pacer Munaf Patel, who will be making a comeback to the Gujarat Lions side, shared his views on the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. Patel, who last featured in the annual tournament back in 2013, is now fully fit and raring to go.

In an exclusive interview with IndianExpress.com, Munaf Patel spoke about a probable replacement for all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. He shared that left-arm-spinner Shadab Jakati will fill in Jadeja’s shoes until he has recovered and has been cleared to play. Jadeja, currently the world’s no.1 bowler in tests, was advised two weeks rest following the Australia series.

“Jadeja and Jakati having played together for CSK, so I get the feeling that Jakati is equipped very well too. For now, he will miss the first two matches only, and I believe our side is strong enough so that we don’t rely on one individual,” Munaf was quoted as saying to the Indian Express.

The paceman, when asked about India skipper Virat Kohli, spoke about his aggression and his strong approach to the game. Munaf Patel, who was part of India’s world cup winning squad 2011, had shared the dressing room with a budding Virat Kohli. However, Kohli has become a sensation in the cricketing world today and is known for displaying his aggression on the field. In comparison, Munaf looked back at the way things were when he played under MS Dhoni.

“He (Kohli) is an emotional player and now a senior too, and by now he should know how to control his emotions and aggression. Being a captain and a senior player, he is showing a little more aggression lately. Earlier, as he played under the likes of Dhoni, Anil Kumble, Dravid bhai and Virender Sehwag, he never needed to show this kind of aggression. Back then, it was just about his batting. I think during Mahi’s captaincy so much of aggression was not required. In fact we teammates use to be calmer and relieved, both on and off the field,” the 33-year-old bowler said.

However, Munaf lauded skipper Virat’s efforts and said that it would help the youngsters in the team to step up their game. “Kohli’s aggression is likely to be helpful for them (youngsters) to grow. Seeing the captain putting extra efforts, players follow suit and put in their best,” Patel shared.

In contrast to Kohli’s aggression, Munaf Patel was also quite happy to see the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane maintain their composure on the cricket field. “They put in their best and do not indulge in any kind of fight. Every player knows how to handle the situation and they do it in their way. So it is something entirely up to the individual player, and his approach towards the game,” he said.

In the absence of ace speedster Dale Steyn, the Gujarat Lions will bank of Munaf Patel to lead the bowling attack in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.