Former star India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes Axar Patel is ready to replace Ravindra Jadeja as India’s all-rounder. He also discussed India’s wicketkeeping options, suggesting Sanju Samson might be chosen over Rishabh Pant for the Champions Trophy.
The Champions Trophy is set to return after a seven-year hiatus. Speculation is rife about the players BCCI will select for the tournament.
Jadeja, a consistent all-rounder for India, might be excluded from the squad.
Axar’s recent performances have created a situation where possibly only one of these two all-rounders will be selected. Harbhajan prefers Axar over Jadeja for the Champions Trophy.
“I have chosen Axar Patel over Ravindra Jadeja. I think Axar is ready to fulfil the role that Jadeja has done for so many years,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
India also face a dilemma regarding its wicketkeeping choices. Pant was the preferred choice before a serious accident in 2022 sidelined him.
India experimented with several wicketkeepers during Pant’s absence but remained unsatisfied. Samson has emerged as a strong contender in white-ball cricket since Pant’s return.
Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20Is, Samson seized the opportunity. He showcased his talent with a century against Bangladesh while opening for India.
Samson then became the first batter to score three T20I centuries in a calendar year.
Harbhajan believes Samson’s selection over Pant for the Champions Trophy wouldn’t be surprising, considering Pant’s recent extensive tour of Australia.
“I think one among Sanju Samson or Rishabh Pant should be picked. I feel Sanju should be preferred because he had played in South Africa. Rishabh played well in Australia, but it was a long tour, so if he is rested, it’s not a big thing,” Harbhajan added.
