'You average only 18': R Ashwin on whether Axar Patel and Jadeja should play together

In order to check their preparations for the ODI World Cup 2023, Team India is all set to take on Pakistan in their first match of the Asia Cup 2023. The provisional squad of the upcoming 50-over World Cup will revolve around the players picked for the Asia Cup. The Indian team will face Pakistan in an ODI match after a gap of 4 years. 

3 things you need to know 

• Team India plays Pakistan at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy 
• The last time Team India faced Pakistan in an ODI match was in the 2019 ODI World Cup 
• The Asia Cup 2023 is being co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka under the 'hybrid model' 

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Shall Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja play together against Pakistan? R Ashwin has an answer

The Indian cricket team selection committee has included left-arm spin all-rounders like Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja in their Asia Cup 2023 squad. Jadeja has been an eminent member of the Indian team for the last 5 to 6 years and contributed to all three departments. On the other hand, Patel has come with many match-winning performances in recent times and hence has an equal chance to make it to the playing XI against Pakistan. 

India spinner R Ashwin was asked during his pre-India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 review whether Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja should play together in the upcoming IND vs PAK match. Ashwin replied to the question on his YouTube channel: 

Maybe not, both their strengths are different. This is like saying that the best bowler should play. Both of them are different bowlers. Jadeja comes over the top and Axar comes with a little round arm. Axar has his own strengths and is very unique. He can use his hip nicely and change the speed. Plenty of differences with him and I think Axar's batting against spin is fantastic. If it's a little slow, Axar should play, 

Somewhere, I saw them talking about Axar's batting average being just 18. When you bat at number 8, your average will be 18 only. 

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Will Team India start off their Asia Cup 2023 campaign with a win? 

The Indian cricket team landed in Sri Lanka on August 31, 2023, after completing their seven-day practice session in Alur. The team is full of experience and young talent. With the addition of Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian team will get an extra boost before they take on Pakistan on September 2. The Indian team also has an edge over the Babar Azam-led side and has won 7 out of 13 games against the 'Men in Green' in the ODI Asia Cup.