Is Axar Patel Dropped for IND vs NZ 5th T20I? Know Why He is Not Playing

India are taking on New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I of the series at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday, November 1. With the five-match series already sealed, India have an opportunity to experiment with their combinations and finish the tour on a winning note.

The visitors entered the contest with a commanding 3-1 lead, although their 87-run defeat in the fourth T20I exposed concerns in their bowling attack. Axar Patel's absence from the playing XI for the NZ vs IND 5th T20I has also raised questions among Indian fans.

Why Axar Patel is Not Playing Today in 5th T20I?

India captain Shreyas Iyer did not provide any specific reason for Axar Patel's absence from the playing XI. Therefore, it would be premature to suggest that the left-handed all-rounder has been dropped solely because of his performances.

One possible explanation could be India's desire to give Varun Chakravarthy an opportunity. The spinner had not featured in any of the previous four matches, and with the series already decided, the management might be looking to test its bench strength. India have also been considering changes to their bowling combination following their heavy defeat in Auckland during the fourth T20I match.