"Batter Ko Bewakoof Banake...": DC Star's Magical Delivery Leaves Navjot Singh Sidhu Spellbound

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) returned to winning ways in IPL 2024 on Monday, thrashing Delhi Capitals (DC) by 7 wickets. Phil Salt's scintillating innings of 68 off just 33 balls stole the show as KKR consolidated their second spot in the points table. Axar Patel was the lone-warrior with the the ball for DC as he claimed two wickets while also keeping the run-flow in check. However, his delivery which got the better of Salt earned him huge praise for the cricketing fraternity, including for India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu.

On the first ball of the ninth over, Axar deceived Salt with an arm-ball that turned back sharply from a length, leaving the stumps rattled.

Sidhu, who was on commentary, compared Axar to late great Bishan Singh Bedi. He also hailed Axar for outfoxing the batter by fooling him.

"This came at the speed of a bullet. Bishan Singh Bedi used to do this very often. To outfox a batsman who was playing like this, sending him back, Axar, wah! (Ek set batsman ko bewakoof banake ghar bhejna... Axar, you beauty) That's why Axar Patel is selected again and again in the Indian team," Sidhu said on-air.

Wicket chahiye, aa jao dila dunga #KKRvDC #TATAIPL #IPLonJioCinema #IPLinHindi pic.twitter.com/SOPxGtyhsY

Players from all the 10 IPL teams are keen to impress their national selectors with just one day left for countries to name their teams for the T20 World Cup in June.

Axar's name is also in the reckoning for a place in the squad, with the all-rounder in fine form with both bat and ball.

According to multiple reports, India's squad is set to be announced on Tuesday, April 30.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah is set to meet the India selectors in Ahmedabad before the announcement.

On Sunday, India skipper Rohit Sharma, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Rahul Dravid, and other BCCI officials had a meeting in New Delhi regarding India's squad.

The selectors have to make a tough choice between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill as the third opener in the marquee event.

Apart from this, another big concern in front of the selectors in the bowling fitness of all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

(With AFP Inputs)