Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has raised questions about the decision to promote Axar Patel to the number 4 position in the Indian batting order during the second ODI against the West Indies. Chopra expressed his skepticism about Axar’s chances of playing at that position in the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.
India, without the services of regular captain Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma, decided to test their bench strength by resting key players. Stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya and head coach Rahul Dravid surprised many by sending Axar Patel to bat at number 4, while Suryakumar Yadav came in at the 6th spot after Hardik Pandya.
Chopra, in a video on his YouTube channel, expressed his doubts about Axar’s suitability for the number 4 position in the Indian team. He questioned the likelihood of Axar playing at that spot in future tournaments like the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup.
While acknowledging his respect and admiration for Axar Patel, Chopra stated, Axar Patel was sent at No. 4 here – how, why, when, where? I have a lot of respect and admiration for Axar but Axar is never going to play at No. 4. What are his chances of playing for India at No. 4 from the World Cup or the Asia Cup perspective? I don’t see him playing there in 50-over cricket.
Chopra also raised concerns about the left-right combination in the Indian batting lineup. He questioned whether the team management would make changes to the top 3, which consists of right-handers Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, in order to accommodate a left-hander lower down the order.
I have another question – is it tenable? Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will open, Virat Kohli will play at No. 3, and all three are right-handers. If you want a left-right combination so much, will you play a left-hander by sending one of them down the order? That’s not going to happen – so what was Axar Patel doing at No. 4? Chopra added.
In the rain-affected second ODI, India were bowled out for a low score of 181 in 40.5 overs. In reply, the West Indies chased down the target comfortably, thanks to an unbeaten 63 from skipper Shai Hope and an unbeaten 48 from young Keacy Carty.
Chopra’s criticism of the decision to promote Axar Patel to number 4 reflects his concerns about the selection strategy employed by the Indian team management in the absence of key players. The upcoming Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup will undoubtedly provide further opportunities for the team to assess their options and make any necessary adjustments to the batting order.
