Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra reckons many people think that Manav Suthar playing ahead of Axar Patel is unjustifiable to the latter but admitted Patel is more effective on spin-friendly pitches.
Chopra noted that Ravindra Jadeja is India’s first choice spinner in foreign conditions. However, the veteran all-rounder plays more as a batter and as defensive option with the ball.
“Whenever you see, it seems like justice hasn’t been done with Axar Patel. However, selection is not just about how good someone’s numbers are. Let’s be very honest, Jadeja and Axar have played together very few times, and Axar hasn’t got chances at all outside India. Ravindra Jadeja goes as your primary spinner there,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“However, he also plays more as a batter and less as a spinner because he doesn’t pick up that many wickets. So that’s one thing the Indian selectors and team management realized. I think they have also thought that you have to go beyond. If you see Axar’s bowling style, he needs help from the pitch to be effective. He looks extremely ready and effective only for Indian conditions,” he added.
Chopra said Ravindra Jadeja, like Axar Patel, is a match-winner in spin-friendly conditions.
“Ravindra Jadeja, even after so many years, we discuss that he is extremely effective and a match-winner when the conditions are good in India, but in overseas conditions, he is more of a batter who can play a defensive role as a bowler,” he observed.
On the other hand, Manav Suthar had a dream debut as he bagged seven wickets against Afghanistan, including 6-33. Chopra said the left-arm orthodox spinner is an attacking option with the ball and he would be effective in all type of conditions.
“Manav Suthar is different. There is an eye Test here, which means do you actually trust your instincts and what you see. Looking at Manav Suthar, it seems like no matter how good the conditions are, he is not going to be a defensive option. He can play that role as well. He is very accurate, but he has wicket-taking ability,” he said.
“Whether you talk about drift, dip, or extra spin, he has got that all. You very rarely get a finger spinner who is so effective. For one more time, I am going with the selectors. Their thought process is not wrong. It seems like it’s a slight injustice with Axar, but I think Manav Suthar is an exceptional kid,” Chopra observed.
India will next take on Afghanistan in three ODIs.
