“He's absolutely central to India's planning” - Murali Kartik opens up on the lone change in India’s playing XI vs SA

Former Indian spinner Murali Kartik has expressed his opinion on having the all-rounder Axar Patel back for Washington Sundar in the Super8 clash against South Africa in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22.

Speaking exclusively on Cricbuzz, Kartik asserted that the eight-batter formula has been working perfectly for the defending champions India, hoping Abhishek Sharma wins the battle against Kagiso Rabada, who hasn’t fired off late with the ball in hand.

"Axar Patel comes back. He's absolutely central to India's planning. I think the formula of going with eight batters has been working. The only bit for them is at the top of the order. Kagiso has not fired as the way they would have wanted. They will hope that the Kagiso vs Abhishek battle falls in favor of Abhishek," Murali Kartik said during a preview show on Cricbuzz.

While Abhishek suffered a golden duck against the USA in the first group stage encounter, he bagged a four-ball duck against the arch-rivals Pakistan and a three-ball duck against the Netherlands. 

On the other hand, No.3 batter Tilak Varma has been facing severe criticism for his low strike rate in the group stage. However, Kartik is hopeful of Sharma and Tilak Varma putting up a better show against South Africa.

"They would want these guys to comeback roaring into form. Abhishek is yet to open his account and there has been a certain pattern to his dismissals as well. It will be interesting how he looks at it. Enough people are having their own say on how he should go about it," he said.

"With regards to Tilak Varma, Surya wants him at three and he's had a good run there. It is maybe a question of time and a matter of time. If he also starts working out maybe they enjoy Ahmedabad. It is to his liking,” he concluded.

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