Axar Patel delivered one of the finest all-round performances of his ODI career to help India defeat England by six wickets in the opening match of the three-match series at Edgbaston. The left-arm spinner claimed career-best figures of 4/62 before returning with an unbeaten 57 off 52 balls, guiding India through a tricky chase alongside Washington Sundar. Following the performance, former India head coach Ravi Shastri explained why Axar has now established himself ahead of Ravindra Jadeja in India’s limited-overs setup, praising the all-rounder’s maturity, versatility and growing influence.

Axar Patel steps up with bat and ball to script India’s win

England looked set for a total well beyond 270 after Joe Root and Liam Dawson stitched together a 121-run partnership to rebuild the innings. However, Axar turned the game on its head with a decisive spell in the closing stages. The left-arm spinner broke the dangerous stand by dismissing Root before running through the lower order. He ended with career-best ODI figures of 4/62 in 9.5 overs, ensuring England were bowled out for 258 despite their promising recovery.

India’s chase also encountered early turbulence as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli departed cheaply. Shubman Gill steadied the innings with a fluent 80 but had to retire hurt because of cramps, leaving India under pressure at 160/4. Axar walked in at a crucial stage and adapted his approach impressively. Rather than looking for big shots from the outset, he focused on rotating the strike, finding gaps and punishing loose deliveries. His composed unbeaten 57 from 52 balls proved to be the perfect finishing touch.

He found an ideal partner in Washington, who remained unbeaten on 52. The pair stitched together an unbroken 102-run partnership for the fifth wicket, taking India home with 28 balls remaining and sealing a comfortable six-wicket victory.

Ravi Shastri explains why Axar Patel gets the preference over Ravindra Jadeja

Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, Shastri highlighted the remarkable progress Axar has made over the past few years and explained why the all-rounder is now India’s preferred option ahead of veteran Jadeja.

“He is a confident cricketer now. He has captained sides and believes in his ability. That’s why he has got the nod ahead of Jadeja. He is the senior all-rounder in the side now. With the ball, he has come a long way with his variations in pace,” said Shastri.

The former India coach also praised Axar’s growth as a batter, pointing out that he has become far more than just a bowling all-rounder.

“With the bat, he is a solid striker with a good head on his shoulders. He reads the game extremely well. He can play both ways, be the aggressor or hold the innings together, based on the situation. He lends great depth to India, which becomes handy in a run-chase,” he added.

Shastri’s remarks reflect Axar’s increasing importance in India’s ODI plans, especially with the team building towards future ICC tournaments.

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Axar joins Sachin Tendulkar and Hardik Pandya in exclusive Indian club

Axar’s all-round heroics also earned him a unique place in India’s cricket history. By scoring a half-century and claiming a four-wicket haul in the same away ODI, he became only the third Indian player to achieve the feat. The all-rounder joined legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar and fellow all-rounder Hardik Pandya on the exclusive list, underlining the significance of his performance at Edgbaston.

With a career-best spell, a composed match-winning knock and a historic milestone to his name, Axar not only justified India’s faith in him but also strengthened his claim as the team’s premier spin-bowling all-rounder in the 50-over format.

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