Ravindra Jadeja, India’s premier allrounder across formats, suffered a knee injury during the Asia Cup last year that eventually ruled him out of the 20-20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. While he seemed irreplaceable initially, allrounder Axar Patel was included in his place and Axar has been doing tremendously well and cemented his place in the team.
However, in a shocking set of tweets, Ravindra Jadeja’s possible dislike towards Axar Patel has seemingly surfaced. A Twitter user claimed that Jadeja liked a post that questioned Axar’s ability to play against pace. “Convinced that Jadeja would have never done what Axar has been doing with the bat. Has comfortably become the first-choice #7 bat for India in T20Is. The unbelievable turnaround since the Indian T20 League 2022 from Axar.”
As a reply, another user named, @MartinSamlin, disagreed with the comment and tweeted, “Same opponents, but against pace. Axar cant hit against pace. Jadeja has finishing capabilities pls for god’s sake understand that aspect; don’t be a mug. If there is one guy who can come closer it’s Washington but he needs to prove his game against pace too,no.7 mostly will face pace.” Later a Twitter user claimed that Ravindra Jadeja had liked the above-mentioned tweet calling out Patel.
He is putting pressure in every format: Gautam Gambhir on Axar Patel
Earlier during the T20 series against Sri Lanka, Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir said that Axar is putting pressure on Jadeja with his consistent performances across formats.
“I believe that whenever Axar Patel has been given opportunities and in whichever format, he has performed exceptionally well. It is a good thing. He has put pressure on Jadeja and you want that when you are playing for the Indian team you put pressure on whoever you are playing for.”
“Axar Patel, whether it is T20 or Test cricket, he is putting pressure in every format and today you also got to see the range. I believe the more options you have is better for the Indian team and Axar as well.”
Jadeja might be hoping to get selected in the squad for the four-match Test series against Australia in India in February-March. It remains to be seen whether the Indian Cricket Board goes for Jadeja or Axar alongside premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for the all-important series which will decide India’s qualification to the World Test Championship 2021 – 2023 final as well.
