Ajinkya Rahane says Axar Patel is an underrated player ahead of Asia Cup

India’s veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane said Axar Patel is an underrated player ahead of the Asia Cup. Patel has done a fine job for India across all formats and he doesn’t always gets the credit he deserves. The left-arm spinner picked five wickets in 12 matches of IPL 2025 for the Delhi Capitals.

Patel had also played a key role for India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa. The southpaw scored an impressive knock of 47 runs off just 31 balls and helped India achieve the impetus in their batting innings.

Rahane said Patel can bowl in any phase of the innings, which makes him invaluable.

Rahane said on his YouTube Channel, “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.”

The Mumbai batter said the Dubai pitches will assist the spinners and Patel would come into action on slow tracks.

“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.”

Patel has picked 71 wickets in as many T20I matches and he has scored 535 runs in 44 innings. The left-hander has also been used as a floater in the shortest format by Gautam Gambhir-led supporting staff. 

India would begin their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10.