Former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting believes the Indian team should focus on their best team rather than the matchups when they take on Zimbabwe in their next Super Eight match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday.
“I heard that Axar Patel was left out in the match against South Africa because there were left-handed batsmen in the opposition team. But there were some right-handed batsmen as well. It depends on the art of the captain to use Axar at the right time,” Ponting said in the latest episode of “ICC Review”.
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, had lost to South Africa by 76 runs in their first Super Eight encounter, and now, India will face Zimbabwe in Chennai, followed by concluding the Super Eight stage against West Indies in Kolkata on Sunday.
Ponting said, “I would have gone back to basics. I would have just looked at their lineup. For us, what is our best XI in the conditions in Chennai?” Ponting said, “If it is Axar Patel, then it is fine. If it is Kuldeep Yadav, then he is another option that I would consider bringing back. Because with him it does not matter whether the batsman is left-handed or right-handed. He can spin the ball against both types of batsmen.”
Quality spinners have made a significant impact in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, especially in the matches played in India. Former Indian cricketer and now commentator, Ravi Shastri also believed that India will make changes to its playing XI and Axar Patel may be given a chance against Zimbabwe.
“I think they have to bring Axar Patel back. You need that experience,” Shastri said. He further said, “I would say play both (Patel and Sundar). Try to give an extra option. One day it may happen that one bowler is performing poorly, like Varun Chakravarthy did on Sunday. If Axar Patel is playing, he can bat at No. 8. You have Hardik Pandya at No. 5, Shivam Dubey at No. 6, and Washington Sundar at No. 7. Axar can also play at No. 5.”
“Now, if eight batsmen are not getting the job done in T20 cricket, then something is wrong, especially with such a powerful team. What you are missing is the option of an extra bowler, which I think is important. Rinku Singh may have to sit out. But if he has to come, he will have to come in place of a specialist batsman.” Shastri finished his speech.
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