While Team India celebrated their victory in Chennai after a dominant Test win over Bangladesh, there’s a growing threat looming 900 kilometers away. As New Zealand gears up to face India, Ajaz Patel’s recent performance against Sri Lanka has raised concerns for Indian stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have struggled against left-arm spin in recent years.
Ajaz Patel’s Stunning Performance in Galle
During the first Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Galle, left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel delivered an incredible performance, taking 6 wickets in Sri Lanka’s second innings. He dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup, starting with their captain Dhananjaya de Silva, before going on to claim the wickets of Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Ramesh Mendis, and others. In total, Ajaz ended up with 6 wickets for 90 runs in 30 overs, adding to his 2 wickets from the first innings, making it an 8-wicket haul for the match.
This outstanding display of bowling not only sealed New Zealand’s win but also sent a clear warning to the Indian team as the Kiwis prepare to tour India next month. With a 3-match Test series against India starting soon, Ajaz Patel’s form poses a significant challenge, particularly for Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli.
Rohit and Virat’s Struggles Against Left-Arm Spin
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have faced notable difficulties when playing against left-arm spinners in recent years. Rohit has faced 473 deliveries from left-arm spinners over the last three years, scoring 277 runs but getting dismissed 8 times. Similarly, Virat Kohli, who has faced 686 balls from left-arm spinners in the same period, has managed 272 runs while losing his wicket 9 times.
Their struggles were evident in the first Test against Bangladesh, where Rohit scored just 11 runs, and Virat managed 23. While they will be keen to regain their form before facing New Zealand, Ajaz Patel’s current prowess with the ball will remain a big concern.
The Ajaz Patel Factor: A Challenge for Indian Batsmen
Ajaz Patel isn’t just any left-arm spinner. He made history during New Zealand’s last tour of India in 2021 when he claimed all 10 wickets in India’s first innings during the Mumbai Test at Wankhede Stadium. This rare feat made him only the third bowler in cricket history to take all 10 wickets in a single innings, joining the elite company of Jim Laker and Anil Kumble.
During that unforgettable Test, Patel’s victims included big names like Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, two of India’s most reliable batsmen. Kohli was dismissed for a duck, and Shubman Gill, who will face Patel again in the upcoming series, was also among the players Patel sent back to the pavilion.
With the next Test between India and New Zealand scheduled at Wankhede Stadium, where Ajaz made history, the Indian batsmen, especially Rohit, Virat, and Gill, will be on high alert.
Shubman Gill Faces His Own Battle
While much of the focus is on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill is another key Indian batsman who will have to overcome Ajaz Patel’s challenge. Despite his impressive century against Bangladesh in Chennai, Gill’s track record against left-arm spinners is concerning. Before the Bangladesh Test, he had faced 481 deliveries from left-arm spinners and managed to score just 202 runs, losing his wicket 10 times.
A Tough Test Awaits Indian Batsmen
The upcoming India-New Zealand series will be a significant test for the Indian batsmen, particularly against the formidable Ajaz Patel. While India’s squad has world-class players like Rohit, Virat, and Shubman, the numbers show that left-arm spin, particularly from a bowler of Patel’s caliber, could be a serious threat.
Ajaz Patel’s ability to take wickets on Indian pitches, combined with his exceptional form, will be a key factor in the series. If Rohit, Virat, and Gill don’t quickly find ways to counter left-arm spin, New Zealand’s star spinner could once again dominate, just as he did in Mumbai in 2021.
As Team India prepares for a challenging few months of Test cricket, Ajaz Patel’s name will surely be on their minds as they head into battle.
