Ravindra Jadeja’s performance made it difficult for me to break into India’s Test squad – Axar Patel

India’s left-arm spinner Axar Patel believes Ravindra Jadeja’s consistent performances made it difficult for left-arm spinners to break into the team’s Test squad.

Jadeja has been a consistent performer for the team in the last decade and he has also improved his batting in the last couple of years.

Meanwhile, Axar Patel was able to grab his opportunity with both hands in the Test series against England in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, who was ruled out due to thumb injury. Patel scalped 27 wickets in the three Test matches and breathed down the neck of the English batsmen. Thus, the spinner from Gujarat didn’t let the team miss the services of Ravindra Jadeja.

Patel bowled with an average of 10.59 and had a dream start to his Test career. The left-arm orthodox spinner was right on the money with his line and length and bowled accurately throughout the series.

“I don’t feel I was lacking anything. Unfortunately, I was injured and lost my place in the ODIs. In Tests, [Ravindra] Jadeja and [Ravichandran] Ashwin were doing well. The way Jadeja was performing, it was very hard for any other left-arm spin all-rounder to find a place. The wrist spinners Kuldeep (Yadav) and (Yuzvendra) Chahal were doing well. It was due to the team combination that I was out. When I got a chance, I just tried to prove myself,” Axar told The Indian Express.

Patel scalped four five wicket hauls and bowled at the top of his game. On the other hand, Patel revealed that he has a great bonhomie with Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant.

“I have a great tuning with him, we are part of the same team in the IPL. He is one of my closest friends. He maintains that lively atmosphere in the team. He will crack jokes, even from behind the wicket. Sometimes in a five-day game if there is a partnership, it’s very tough to kill that time. It’s his role that if he feels that the atmosphere is getting dull, he will crack some jokes, he will pass on comments. It suits him,” Axar said during the same interview.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Mohammad Kaif lauds Suryakumar Yadav, says he is a proper replacement for Rohit Sharma amid Asia Cup

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif showered praise on Suryakumar Yadav and said he is a… Read More

September 22, 2025

Parthiv Patel opens up on Shreyas Iyer’s chances on being picked for Test series against West Indies

Former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel reckons Shreyas Iyer’s chances of being picked for the two-match… Read More

September 22, 2025

Aakash Chopra says Yashasvi Jaiswal’s absence from India’s white-ball teams is injustice

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra said Yashasvi Jaiswal is a three-format player and his… Read More

September 19, 2025

Washington Sundar credits Ashish Nehra for impactful performance in ENG vs IND 2025 Tests

India’s all-rounder Washington Sundar gave credit to Ashish Nehra for his impressive performance in the… Read More

September 19, 2025

Ajay Jadeja credits Rohit Sharma for Abhishek Sharma’s fearless batting approach in Asia Cup 2025

Former Indian batter Ajay Jadeja has given credit to ODI captain Rohit Sharma for Abhishek… Read More

September 18, 2025

Washington Sundar recalls father’s message that helped him during IPL debut

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has recalled how his father’s message helped him during IPL debut… Read More

September 18, 2025