Last Updated: December 25, 2022, 21:18 IST
Cheteshwar Pujara praised Axar Patel’s contribution with the bat. (AP Photo)
In an fascinating transfer, India promoted Axar Patel forward of the likes of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant throughout a difficult part of the 2nd Test towards Bangladesh resulting in criticism
India accomplished an exhilarating three-wicket win over Bangladesh in the 2nd Test to log out from the tour with a 2-0 clear sweep. From the depths of 74/7 in chase of 145 in Dhaka, the vacationers made a powerful restoration on a turning observe with Ravichandran Ashwin (42*) and Shreyas Iyer (29*) producing a wonderful fightback to take India over the road.
Before the duo’s successful partnership, it was Axar Patel whose strong effort was very important in holding one finish that prevented a whole collapse. Axar made 34 off 69 and was the seventh wicket to fall when he grew to become spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s fifth sufferer.
The allrounder was promoted within the batting order throughout a difficult part of the chase when India had simply misplaced Cheteshwar Pujara within the closing session of the third day’s play.
Axar batted at no 4 – a spot reserved for Virat Kohli. Former India cricketers together with Sunil Gavaskar and Ajay Jadeja have been stunned with the choice.
The argument that Axar, a lefty, could have been despatched to make sure a proper hand-left hand batting mixture wouldn’t permit the bowlers to settle additionally appeared weak since a a lot completed left-handed batter in Rishabh Pant was nonetheless within the dressing room.
Jadeja poked enjoyable on the name whereas analysing on Sony Sports questioning if Rishabh Pant had taken ‘a sleeping pill’.
On Sunday, after India’s victory, Jadeja posed the question to Pujara asking if he was stunned at seeing Axar strolling in to bat after his dismissal.
The 34-year-old defending the choice, explaining why it was essential at that stage. “Of their three strike bowlers, two are left-arm spinners and so to sort out them, it was an excellent transfer. Against the Kookaburra ball you want somebody who can bat sensibly. Axar is a left-hander, and that was an essential part of the sport. We didn’t wish to lose many wickets within the night and bat a bit of responsibly,” Pujara said.
He added, “So I wasn’t surprised but it was a crucial move for us – his (Axar’s) contribution, even this morning, the run he made. When you are chasing a 140-145-total, each run becomes important. So the way he batted, his innings proved quite valuable to us.”
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