The all-rounder Axar Patel plays an essential role for his Indian team according to former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh who spoke before the T20 World Cup. The T20 series between India and New Zealand will show India performance according to his statement.
The first T20 match at Nagpur ended with India winning by 48 runs. The team achieved a score of 238 runs while conceding 7 wickets throughout their 20 overs. Harbhajan explained that India has developed a stronger team because they adopted an aggressive strategy to both batting and bowling. The explosive batting performance of Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh enabled the team to establish a large target which New Zealand failed to reach despite their strongest efforts.
Axar Patel who serves as the Indian vice-captain sustained a finger injury while he bowled during New Zealand's 16th over of their innings. Daryl Mitchell struck the ball with great force during his fourth over. Axar attempted to stop the ball with his hand which resulted in the ball making contact with his fingers and causing an injury that bled. He left the field after physiotherapy because his pain persisted. The medical team has yet to determine the complete extent of his injuries.
Harbhajan Singh showed how vital Axar Patel is to the Indian cricket team. He said that Axar should not miss the T20 World Cup due to this injury. "India needs him because he is a player who holds great importance for the team," he said.
Harbhajan believes that India will win the five-match T20 series against New Zealand despite Axar's injury problems. He praised the team for developing a new method which involves them to bat aggressively while performing well during critical situations.
