WI vs IND 2023: Using Axar Patel correctly is turning out to be challenging for Hardik Pandya, says Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer reckons using Axar Patel correctly is turning out to be challenging for skipper Hardik Pandya in the ongoing five-match T20I series against the West Indies. In fact, Pandya didn’t give the ball to Axar Patel in the second T20I on Sunday despite the pitch providing help to the spinners.

Furthermore, Pandya bowled Patel for only two overs in the opening T20I against the Windies, which the visitors lost by four runs. Patel is known for his accurate bowling and can keep the runs in check in the shortest format of the game.

Moreover, Hardik Pandya surprisingly didn’t back Yuzvendra Chahal in the second game despite the leg-spinner taking two wickets in the 16th over. Pandya bowled Arshdeep Singh in the 18th over and gave the penultimate over to Mukesh Kumar but his tactics didn’t work.

“That has been the problem with Axar Patel starting from his IPL franchise to the national team. Whenever a left-hander comes into the crease, it feels like he is not going to bowl. I can understand when Nicholas Pooran is on strike, but I thought when he and Shimron Hetmyer got out, I was surprised that he was not thrown the ball there. Obviously, you had Yuzvendra Chahal to bowl his final over and I was honestly surprised that he did not bowl,” Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo.

“It is going to be a challenge for Hardik Pandya as to when and how to use Axar Patel. In the 1st T20I he bowled him in the powerplay. He got hit for a 6 and a 4 by Nicholas Pooran and that’s a risk that you need to take,” Jaffer said ahead of the 3rd T20I match.

On the other hand, the former domestic giant wants Yashasvi Jaiswal to replace Ishan Kishan in the playing XI. Kishan, who scored three consecutive fifties in the ODI series, hasn’t been able to carry the good show in the first two T20Is. Kishan was dismissed for only six runs in the opening game and could only manage 27 in the second T20I.

Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a fine knock of 171 runs on his Test debut against the Windies earlier on the tour.

“We know that Ishan Kishan has struggled in the T20 internationals, so give him a break. He might come back stronger when he plays next,” Jaffer said.

“I would pick Yashasvi Jaiswal without a doubt just because he brings that fearlessness. He plays spin well and his batting against fast bowling is exemplary. He’s right at the peak of his game, high on confidence, so why not throw him in the mix and see what you get? He’s got runs in Tests and he’s looking for an opportunity. You might get a breath of fresh air like you did with Tilak Varma, so why not?,” Jaffer concluded on the matter.

The third T20I of the series will be played at Providence Stadium, Guyana on Tuesday.