Ahead of the forthcoming Champions Trophy, former batsman Sanjay Manjrekar made a daring prediction: after India’s victory over England in the first ODI, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s spot in the squad may be in doubt due to Axar Patel’s all-around flexibility.

India made the audacious decision to bench Pant and send Axar to bat at No. 5 in the chase during the first ODI against England, and it paid off handsomely. Axar and Shubman Gill put together a vital innings after India lost the top order, hitting 52 runs off 47 balls to form a 108-run partnership.

Pant had to warm the bench during the first ODI in Nagpur when India chose KL Rahul to be the wicketkeeper. Given that Axar is an excellent pick and has the character of a batter, Manjrekar believes the 27-year-old may have to sit out the Champions Trophy for a while.

“I made the proposal before the game that maybe Rishabh Pant might be tested only for the Champions Trophy. In addition, a left-hander would be among India’s top six or seven players. We’ve watched Axar Patel bat in Test matches for India, and he’s a man with a batter’s temperament, so he’s a terrific choice,” Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.

The all-rounder performed well against spinners, according to the former as well. The hitters for Team India have always struggled while playing against spinners in the middle overs. According to Manjrekar, Axar would give India a fair opportunity to have a potent middle-order option in Dubai.

“He did well against spinners, boy. Finding hitters who can handle spin has been a challenge for India in the middle overs. There will be a significant spin influence on the games since this Champions Trophy will be played in our region of the globe,” the former athlete said.

Perhaps delaying Rishabh Pant’s chances of returning, Axar Patel is a great alternative to have in the middle. They have now discovered a left-hander who can bat in the middle,” Manjrekar said.