‘India are not missing Jadeja’ – Former Indian opener’s bold statement after Axar Patel’s heroics against Sri Lanka

Wasim Jaffer has heaped praise on India all-rounder Axar Patel while saying that he has made sure the team is not affected by Ravindra Jadeja’s absence. The former opener made the comment following Axar’s outstanding performance in the second T20I match against Sri Lanka on January 5 in Pune.

In the second match of the three-match series, the Men in Blue were defeated by Sri Lanka by a score of 16 runs. India were restricted to 190/8 while chasing 207. But Axar excelled with both bat and ball. He scored 65 runs in only 31 deliveries to offer the hosts a slim chance of winning after a dismal start. Besides, also returned with stunning bowling figures of 2/24 in his four overs.

India is lucky they have got such a like-for-like replacement (for Jadeja) in Axar Patel: Wasim Jaffer

“India is not missing Jadeja. He has been a phenomenal player in all three formats. But since India has found Axar Patel, we are not talking too much about Jadeja since he’s been away. Goes on to show how good Axar has come about as a cricketer. Fantastic,” Jaffar was quoted as saying on ESPNcricinfo

Axar slammed three fours and six sixes during his explosive innings, and he along with Suryakumar Yadav (51 off 36), scored 91 for the sixth wicket as India responded after losing five wickets for 57 runs.

In response to the question of whether Axar is currently India’s best all-rounder without Jadeja, Jaffer nodded in agreement. In addition, he noted that the 28-year-old is skilled at bowling during the powerplay, a talent he believes Jadeja is lacking.

“At the moment, yes (Axar is India’s No.1 spin all-rounder). India is lucky they have got such a like-for-like replacement (for Jadeja) in Axar Patel. He’s making the most of it in all formats. He can bowl in the powerplay, which I feel Jadeja does not like. Axar can do it. And If he bats like this, it’s debatable,” replied the former Indian opener.

The third and final T20I match is scheduled to be played on Sunday.