Ravi Shastri urges India to play Axar Patel and Washington Sundar after heavy defeat
After a 76-run defeat to South Africa, former head coach Ravi Shastri has urged India to include both Axar Patel and Washington Sundar in the playing XI for the must-win match against Zimbabwe. With the team under pressure, Shastri believes a balanced side with two quality spin-bowling options could be the key to turning things around.
Why Shastri wants both Axar and Washington
- Variety in spin: Axar’s left-arm orthodox and Washington’s off-spin provide two different angles and trajectories, making it harder for batters to settle.
- Control in the middle overs: Both are known for their accuracy and ability to stifle scoring during the middle phase — crucial in one-day conditions when momentum can shift quickly.
- Batting depth: Each offers useful lower-order runs. In a must-win game, having extra batting options can rescue the innings if the top order struggles.
- All-round balance: Playing two spinners can allow India to use an extra seamer or an extra batter depending on the pitch, giving the captain more tactical flexibility.
Possible team adjustments and trade-offs
Including both Axar and Washington means the management will have to make a call on team balance. That usually involves choosing between an additional frontline seamer or an extra batter/allrounder. These are the typical trade-offs:
- Dropping a pacer to accommodate two spinners on a spin-friendly surface.
- Carrying an extra batter while keeping the seam-bowling attack intact, aiming to chase or post a bigger total.
- Using one of the spinners as a stronger batting option in the lower middle order to steady the chase.
Match approach against Zimbabwe
In a must-win fixture, there is little room for conservative selection. Shastri’s call suggests India should be proactive:
- Assess the pitch: If the surface offers turn, playing both spinners is a clear advantage. Even on flatter tracks, their economy and control can choke runs in the middle overs.
- Use spinners smartly: Rotate them through short spells to keep the batters unsettled and use matchups — left-arm to exploit outside-right-handers, off-spin to challenge right-handers.
- Bat responsibly: The top order must provide a platform; the extra depth from Axar and Washington can be a safety net if early wickets fall.
Pressure, selection and the bigger picture
A must-win game brings pressure on both selection and execution. Shastri’s suggestion is aimed at giving India more control in the crucial middle overs and more batting options lower down the order. Whether the team management follows that advice will depend on the final pitch assessment and the balance they want against Zimbabwe.
Ultimately, the call to play Axar Patel and Washington Sundar signals a shift towards versatility and control — two qualities India will need if they are to recover from the South Africa loss and keep their campaign alive.