Ajinkya Rahane backs Axar Patel
Ajinkya Rahane praised Axar Patel as an “underrated player,” highlighting his growth as a cricketer in recent years and backing him to shine in the upcoming Asia Cup.
Ajinkya Rahane lauded Axar Patel for his consistent performances, calling him an “underrated player” while underlining his importance in India’s setup ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
Axar, who was named India’s T20I vice-captain earlier this year for the home series against England, impressed with his all-round skills as India secured the series win. However, Shubman Gill replaced him as vice-captain for the upcoming Asia Cup in Dubai.
Rahane stressed that Axar has delivered whenever India needed him, whether with bat or ball, and also praised his flexibility in different match situations.
“I feel he is a very much underrated player. He has improved as a player, as a cricketer in the last two to three years. He has done really well. Whenever he’s got an opportunity as a batter, as a bowler, he has performed really well for the team. He can bowl with the new ball in the powerplay, he can bowl in the middle phase as well, and if needed, he can bowl in death overs,” Rahane said in his latest YouTube video.
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The veteran batter also said that any captain would be glad to have a player like Axar, noting his fielding ability and experience as added strengths.
“As a captain, when you have a player like Axar Patel in the team, you are always happy. Let’s not forget about his fielding ability as well. And also, Asia Cup is in Dubai. Most probably, the wickets will favor the spinners. So, Axar’s skill work and also experience will come in handy for the team,” Rahane opined. India will open their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against hosts UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
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Last Updated on September 5, 2025
