Head coach Rahul Dravid gave a befitting reply to a journalist, who had questioned Axar Patel’s role in the third final T20I against South Africa in Indore on Tuesday, October 2. Axar was given just one over as the Proteas posted 227 for 3 in 20 overs.
India did not want to use the spinner in front of Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw. The two added 90 runs for the 2nd wicket.
“Match-ups are important, and it is for you guys to see the performance of the left-arm spinners against the left-handed batters. Maybe you might get some answers,” said Rahul Dravid.
“A lot of teams use match-ups. You should look into numbers and find the answers like us as they are very important,” he added.
Axar has been expensive against the left-handed batters in international cricket and IPL. He has conceded runs at an economy of 9.53 per over against left-handed batters in T20I cricket and 8.22 against left-handed batters in the cash-rich league.