The way Jadeja was performing, it was very hard for any other left-arm spin all-rounder to find a place: Axar Patel

Axar Patel certainly made the ball talk during India’s comprehensive 3-1 series win against England at home in the month of February and March. The left-arm spinner, simply cast a web on England batters in pitches that aided spin in Chennai and Ahmadabad. The 27-year-old finger spinner took 27 wickets in just three Tests and formed a deadly combination with Ravichandran Ashwin.

Axar was included in the squad due to the absence of Ravindra Jadeja who was out of action because of a thumb injury that he suffered during India’s tour to Australia earlier in 2021. The 27-year-old grabbed his opportunity with both hands and made the most of it.

Axar Patel on Ravindra Jadeja’s value in the Indian team

Now Jadeja India’s first-choice all-rounder is back and Axar feels the former’s brilliance in all three departments of the game had made the job difficult for anyone to breakthrough in the team. He also feels that Ashiwn’s consistent performances in the last four to five years too have not helped the cause for other aspiring spinners and allrounders.

“I don’t feel I was lacking anything. Unfortunately, I was injured and lost my place in the ODIs. In Tests, [Ravindra] Jadeja and [Ravichandran] Ashwin were doing well. The way Jadeja was performing, it was very hard for any other left-arm spin all-rounder to find a place. The wrist spinners Kuldeep (Yadav) and (Yuzvendra) Chahal were doing well. It was due to the team combination that I was out. When I got a chance, I just tried to prove myself,” Axar told The Indian Express.

Further, he was asked about young wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s rise, to which Axar added that he keeps the atmosphere upbeat and always makes the others laugh by cracking a joke or two.

“I have a great tuning with him, we are part of the same team in the IPL. He is one of my closest friends. He maintains that lively atmosphere in the team. He will crack jokes, even from behind the wicket. Sometimes in a five-day game, if there is a partnership, it’s very tough to kill that time. It’s his role that if he feels that the atmosphere is getting dull, he will crack some jokes, he will pass on comments. It suits him,” Axar said during the same interview.