Veteran all-rounder Axar Patel was praised by former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri for his exploits in the first ODI against England on July 14 at Edgbaston. After a dismal T20I series against the same opponent, the seasoned left-arm spinner concluded with outstanding statistics of 4/62.
India dismissed England for a poor 258 in the 48th over, thanks to Axar's brilliance and the early inroads by India's pacers.
Axar then showed off his batting prowess with an important 52-ball 57* and added 102 undefeated runs for the fifth wicket with Washington Sundar, who scored 52* and helped India cross the finish line with six wickets remaining.
"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.
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,” Shastri said on Sky Sports.
Axar was adjudged the Player of the Match for his brilliant all-round performance, helping India win by six wickets and capture a 1-0 lead in the three-ODI series.
Given their recent performance, Ravi Shastri described the victory in the first ODI against England as critical for the management of the Indian squad.
Before the current ODI series, India had lost six straight Twenty20 Internationals to England and Ireland after the high of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
"They needed this victory, especially for the team management. The pressure would have continued to build with another loss. So the comeback today will ease the nerves not just in the middle in the future, but also in the dressing room.
They have the right mix of youth and experience in this format. It's important to have both. They are bringing in youngsters in the fast-bowling department and keeping experience in the batting unit,” Shastri concluded.
England and India will clash in the second ODI in Cardiff on July 16.
