Three ignored players who can replace Axar Patel in the Indian T20I team

Axar Patel has been given a golden opportunity to become India's main left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder in the 20-20 World Cup in 2022. He was not the team's first choice for the playing XI, but Ravindra Jadeja's injury gave Axar the spot.

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Despite a stellar record in bilateral cricket, Axar Patel failed to deliver when it mattered most. He appeared in five games for the team and scored nine runs at a strike rate of 100. Patel only took three wickets with the ball. Patel failed to make an impression in the big games, so the selectors may look to replace him now. Here are some candidates who could fill his shoes.

1. Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya (Source: Twitter)

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This year, Hardik Pandya has performed admirably for India in T20I cricket. If given the opportunity, his brother Krunal Pandya could do the same. He has shown in the Indian T20 League that when the big stage arrives, he raises his game. Krunal could help India end their Apex Cricket Council championship drought.

The all-rounder has not played for the Indian T20I side since 2021 but a comeback might be on the cards. He has played 19 T20I games so far and has scored 124 runs at an average of 24.8. He also has 15 wickets to his name in the shortest format.

2. Rahul Tewatia

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Rahul Tewatia (Source: Twitter)

Another option for the Indian team is Rahul Tewatia. The Gujarat Team's star in the Indian T20 League has the ability to remain calm under pressure. He can hit any bowler for a six and also bowl leg spin. Tewatia could be useful to Team India.

While Tewatia has not played a game for India, he has a ton of experience in the Indian T20 League. He has played 64 games in the cash-rich league and has scored 738 runs at an average of 25.4. He also has 32 wickets to his name in the league.

3. R Sai Kishore

R Sai Kishore (Source: Twitter)

If the team's management is willing to make some batting sacrifices, R Sai Kishore could be the best replacement for Axar Patel. Kishore's tight bowling can put pressure on the opposition. He spent a lot of time in Chennai with Jadeja and Dhoni. He also won the Indian T20 League 2022 with the Gujarat team earlier this year.

While the batter has only played five games in the Indian T20 League, he has a lot of experience in the domestic circuit playing for Tamil Nadu. If given an opportunity to play for India, he can do wonders in the shortest format of the game.