Why is Axar Patel not playing 5th NZ vs IND T20I?
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Axar Patel played first four games of NZ vs IND T20I.
Axar Patel has been left out of India’s playing XI for the fifth T20I against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday, November 1. India have made two changes for the series finale, bringing in Varun Chakravarthy and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in place of Axar and Mayank Yadav.
India have already secured the five-match series with a 3-1 lead. The visitors won the first three matches but suffered an 87-run defeat in Auckland in the fourth T20I. They will now look to finish the series with a win.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bowl first. Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer confirmed the two changes at the toss but did not provide a specific reason for Axar’s omission.
Why did Axar Patel miss 5th NZ vs IND T20I?
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Axar Patel‘s absence comes after India conceded 259 runs in the previous match. Glenn Phillips scored a century, while Michael Bracewell contributed a half-century to help New Zealand post a big total.
Axar Patel and Naman Dhir conceded a combined 59 runs in four overs during the fourth T20I. Both players were part of India’s spin options who could also contribute with the bat.
India have now brought in Varun Chakravarthy to strengthen their specialist spin attack. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has also returned to the playing XI after missing the previous match, while Mayank Yadav has made way for the experienced pacer.
However, India have not officially confirmed that Axar Patel was dropped because of his performance in Auckland. His omission could be part of a tactical decision to try a different combination for the final match.
With the T20I series already decided, India will also get an opportunity to assess their bowling options ahead of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.
Who replaced Axar Patel in India’s playing XI?
Varun Chakravarthy came into the playing XI, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar also returned to the team. Mayank Yadav was the other player left out.
Who won the toss in the 5th IND vs NZ T20I?
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bowl first.
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