Kolkata: Axar Patel was not part of the flight to Australia last November. He currently serves as the vice-captain for the T20I series. While not all decisions may appear logical, Patel remains a key figure. As Indian cricket undergoes a significant transition, this moment presents an ideal opportunity for him to solidify his role as an essential player across all formats.

Over the past few years, particularly at home, Patel has frequently been called upon as a substitute for Ravindra Jadeja. Although many have noted their similarities, Patel's career trajectory, especially during the 2021-22 Test season where he achieved five five-wicket hauls, highlights his skill set. 

While their batting averages are comparable, Patel boasts a superior bowling strike rate compared to Jadeja, indicating his readiness to assume the slow left-arm bowling role in red-ball cricket when the opportunity arises. Furthermore, he has already participated in the T20 World Cup final and was included in the 2023 ODI World Cup squad before an injury sidelined him. Although there were concerns regarding Patel's position when Jadeja was fit, it can also be argued that Patel's early performances in the shorter format had plateaued.

This situation has notably evolved, with India employing Patel as a floater in their batting lineup, a strategy that also involves players like Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Reddy, and Washington Sundar. “Batting-wise, it’s not just about me; it applies to everyone in the team,” Patel remarked on Monday. “From the beginning of 2024, we agreed to establish a fixed opening slot, while from No. 3 to No. 7, all players have been instructed to remain adaptable according to the situation, combinations, and matchups.

“There is no designated position for any specific batter. Anyone can be utilized as a floater at any time. It’s not solely about me; it applies to everyone in that range, depending on who is performing well, which we evaluate during practice sessions. In T20 cricket, adaptability is crucial.”

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