Follow UsWith India set to take on the Asia Cup challenge in a few days, veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has weighed in on what he feels will give the side balance. Rahane, who last played for India in 2023, feels Hardik Pandya's four overs are going to be vital for the Indian side to have good balance.
"Hardik's role in this Asia Cup will be really important. As an all-rounder, he has done really well for the team in the past. Coming at No. 5 and 6 as a batter, creating that impact, playing with a high strike rate, reading the situation, and playing according to it, he has done it all. I'm sure he can do it again," he said on his YouTube channel, as per Sportskeeda.
"What I would like to see from Hardik is bowling his four overs for the team. If he can do that, bowl those four overs, the team can actually have a very good balance."
Rahane also lavished prasie on Axar Patel, calling him an underrated player. The all-rounder has been key with the bat for India in recent times, often playing as a floater, and his bowling too is quite accurate.
"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," he said.
"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."
India begin their Asia Cup campaign against UAE on September 10 (Wednesday), before facing their arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai.