Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has talked on the importance of star Indian all-rounder Axar Patel in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. He hopes the player will get fit in time.
Axar Patel was unable to participate in the Asia Cup 2023 final due to a left quadriceps strain he suffered during India’s Super-4 game against Bangladesh. While he had already been included in India’s initial 15-member World Cup squad, it remains uncertain whether he will make a full recovery and be ready for the tournament.
During a conversation with Star Sports, when Irfan Pathan was asked about the injury of Axar Patel, he said that he can’t comment on that but team India will definitely need the services of Axar Patel in the upcoming ODI World Cup.
He said,”He got hit in two or three places, so we don’t know how serious it is. However, he is an extremely fit guy, which means he might recover quicker and it’s not that he is a very aged player.”
“It is extremely necessary for the Indian team to get him fit and come back. I feel India will need his batting at No. 8 because he has shown form on Sri Lankan pitches where it is slightly difficult to bat,” the former all-rounder added.
Talking further, Pathan mentioned that Axar Patel is a far better option than Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar at number 8.
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“If you are looking for batting depth, you have the option of Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar but I feel Axar Patel is the best among them at No. 8. If you talk about the range, I feel he has more options, even more than (Ravindra) Jadeja,” Irfan Pathan stated.
