Former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar believes India may need to make two important changes for their Super 8 match against South Africa. The game will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22.
Bangar said the team management led by Gautam Gambhir must decide between Washington Sundar and Axar Patel as the spin-bowling all-rounder. Axar, who is also the vice-captain, played the first three group matches. However, he was replaced by Sundar in the fourth game.
Bangar feels Axar should return to the playing XI for the big clash between the last edition’s finalists.
“He is in my playing XI for sure because he is a high-quality player. He has performed on most occasions. Even in the game against Pakistan, he picked up those crucial wickets. He is an underrated cricketer,” the former India all-rounder reasoned while speaking on Star Sports after being asked whether Axar should come back into the side.
“He can bat at important positions, fields well as well, and is more suitable to the T20 format, if you compare Washington Sundar’s batting versus Axar Patel’s batting at this stage. India may be tempted to play Washington Sundar, but Axar Patel necessarily takes the ball away from the left-handers as well. So you have to make a choice,” he added.
Kuldeep Yadav or extra seamer?
Bangar also spoke about another selection headache for the team. He said India must decide whether to play Kuldeep Yadav or go with an extra fast bowler alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
“I think the more difficult decision would be whether to play Kuldeep or that extra seamer, and that is a call that the team management may have to make taking into account the pitch conditions right before the start of the match,” he said.
He added that he would prefer Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy together if the pitch is dry, with Axar Patel as a third spin option.
“India have historically had a fabulous record when the spinners have been on song. If the pitch is slightly on a drier side, I would be tempted to go with Kuldeep and Varun. Kuldeep can spin the ball away from the left-handers. That means you do not have to actually have an off-spinner in your mix,” Bangar observed.
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