Spin all-rounders Jadeja and Axar key for India in Champions Trophy

The ICC Champions Trophy starting on Wednesday promises to shine the spotlight on spin-bowling all-rounders as teams with multi-dimensional players will have the most flexibility.

- Sanjeev K Samyal

MUMBAI:

Batting deep is the new trend. India skipper Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir advocate packing the side with bowlers who can contribute with the bat too. While quite a few exciting all-rounders will be seen in action, India, who will play only in Dubai, have three quality options in Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar.

Left-armers Jadeja and Axar are likely to be part of the eleven while off-spinner Washington fits in depending on the opposition's batting line-up. India have taken a spin-heavy squad for this tournament with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy too available.

"Jadeja and Axar, obviously it's great to have all-rounders. That adds depth to the batting, plus you know sure-shot in a one-dayer they can give you 20 overs. The experience they have is fabulous," former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said in an interaction.

Usually used in more of a defensive role in the middle-overs, there's more riding on the two players at this event. The team can rely on the two to attack and take wickets in the middle-overs and be as effective as Kuldeep and Chakravarthy.

"These are also your attacking options with the experience they have. Adaptability is the key. You know when to attack, when not to. They have played enough cricket. All four (including Kuldeep and Chakravarthy) are going to be attacking options," Mhambrey said.