Asia Cup 2025: 'He is a very much underrated player' - Ajinkya Rahane lauds India's former T20I vice-captain

Published - 05 Sept 2025, 20:16 IST | Updated - 05 Sept 2025, 20:19 IST

Ajinkya Rahane called Axar Patel an "underrated player", highlighting how the spin-bowling all-rounder has improved his skill sets in recent years.

Axar was appointed the vice-captain of the Indian T20I team ahead of the home series against England earlier this year. While he performed well and India also emerged victorious, the Gujarat cricketer was replaced as India's vice-captain in the shortest format by Shubman Gill ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup.

Rahane opined that Axar has done well for India whenever he has been given an opportunity, be it with the bat or ball. The Mumbai batter also mentioned his flexibility as a bowler, as he can operate in different phases of the innings.

"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," Rahane said in his latest YouTube video.

Rahane said that having a player like Axar in the team will make any captain happy. The Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper also spoke highly about Axar's fielding abilities. He backed the Delhi Capitals' captain to do well in the Asia Cup.

"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," Rahane opined.

India begin their Asia Cup campaign on Wednesday, September 10, as they take on hosts UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.