'Players who are playing First-Class cricket throughout the year, they would have had 14 First-Class games potentially with India A games, the Irani Trophy, the Duleep Trophy or even more. So a bit of break in between, switching in the formats is always good.'
According to Jaffer, Axar can leave his mark as English batsmen tend to struggle against left-arm spinners.
'I wish and pray that for the next 5-6 years he will become a pillar of the Indian team both in T20s and also in ODIs.'
Defending champions India have unveiled a well-rounded 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup
Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer who have often been overlooked in the T20 format, will captain Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings respectively with both eager to make a statement.
'I'm not sure how many games he will play. But his presence in the dressing room will help a lot.'
India and West Indies clash in a high-stakes virtual quarter-final on Sunday, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised serious questions over the Indian team's selection policy after all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was left out of the playing XI for the first ODI against South Africa -- even with Hardik Pandya unavailable.
Pakistan is expected to field four specialist bowlers, including two spinners and two pacers, in their crucial T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo.
Australia batter Travis Head has endorsed Jake Weatherald as an opening partner following the South Australian's rough start as a Test cricketer in the Ashes.
Elaborating on their abilities, the Australian legend added: "Rishabh in the middle order and Dinesh as a finisher, they look extremely dangerous to me."
A well-settled India are trying out a few new things in the ongoing five-match T20I series against visiting Sri Lanka keeping in mind next year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup in the UK, said head coach Amol Muzumdar on Thursday.
Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul terms Hardik Pandya India's biggest threat ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo but tips Pakistan to edge the high-pressure contest.
India's women's football team suffered a heavy 0-11 defeat against Japan in their second group match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup. Despite the loss, India still has a chance to qualify for the quarter-finals if they beat Chinese Taipei in their final group match.
Suryakumar Yadav heaped such heartfelt praise on Sanju Samson after India's dramatic win that the wicketkeeper-batter jokingly had to ask his captain to stop or risk making him emotional.
Usman Tariq just a regular off-spinner, Indian batters shouldn't have any problems: Ganguly
'Constant changes to the playing XI, batting orders, and frequent rotations prevent stability.'
The final Test begins on Friday in New Delhi, and the Shubman Gill-led side is expected to maintain their winning combination as they look to wrap up the home series.
Defending champions RCB head into IPL 2026 with a balanced squad, strong batting core and pace attack, aiming for back-to-back titles after their historic 2025 triumph.
Dutch man Aryan Dutt's wish list at T20WC: Playing in front of family, excelling against India
Aiden Markram praised South Africa's bowlers and fielders after a five-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup Super 8s. The unbeaten Proteas now gear up for a semifinal clash against New Zealand in Kolkata.
Sunil Gavaskar praises Sanju Samson's remarkable transformation in the T20 World Cup, highlighting his match-winning performances after facing earlier setbacks.
India captain Virat Kohli was happy with a clinical performance in the third ODI and hinted at making some changes in the playing XI providing game time to all those who have not yet figured in the playing XI in the ongoing series.
Rohit Sharma was replaced as India's ODI captain by Shubman Gill last year despite winning the ICC Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup within a span of nine months.
Richardson has, so far, played three Test matches since making his debut in 2018-19. The pacer has picked up 11 wickets at an average of 22.09.
Langer said Australia are going with the same playing XI for the second Test unless and until something happens over the next few days.
Sri Lanka beat Australia by eight wickets in a Group B match to qualify for the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup in Pallekele.
It's not often that someone who is the national team doesn't make it to the playing XI in a domestic match when he is fit.
India all-rounder Axar Patel was on Monday ruled out of the remaining two T20 Internationals against South Africa due to illness with the BCCI's selection committee naming Shahbaz Ahmed as his replacement.
"CSK should look at riding his purple patch by slotting him into Playing XII": Ashwin on Sarfaraz Khan's incredible form in domestic cricket
'He will be a vital cog in the wheel for the Asia Cup.'
'He has been benched so many times that he has lost a bit of rhythm.'
The track is historically a high-scoring one and the outfield is quick. But on a red soil surface, the ball grips and can surprise the batters.
Gujarat Titans traded West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford to Mumbai Indians for Rs 2.6 crore ahead of IPL 2026.
Australia's Usman Khawaja has declared himself fit for the third Ashes Test against England next week, brushing aside speculation about his future and saying he will keep playing as long as he is valued by the team.
Arshdeep Singh has enough experience to understand that the Indian team management is trying different combinations looking at the bigger picture, bowling coach Morne Morkel said.
Taking Kharg would give the US control over virtually all of Iran's oil exports and thus provide significant leverage, notes Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War. It would also put American troops within range of Iran's remaining missiles, drones, and artillery on a piece of real estate that is just eight square miles in size, and just 15 miles from the Iranian mainland.
'If you are a Sanju Samson fan, like I am, this was a treat. Great timing, calmness and a refreshingly selfless attitude.'
India T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav said a short break after the South Africa series last year and a conscious change in his batting approach helped him rediscover his touch.
India cricketers, along with coach Gautam Gambhir, visited Shri Jagannath Temple in Odisha's Puri on Tuesday to seek blessings ahead of the first T2OI of the five-match series against South Africa, set to be played on the same day at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium.