Axar Patel's Surprise Selection Linked to Hardik Patel's Demand For 'Special Status'
Axar Patel's choice over Amit Mishra for the Indore ODI has been mocked by Twitterati, who have linked the selection to firebrand political leader Hardik Patel.
 Axar Patel's surprise selection for the second One-day International between India and South Africa in Indore has taken social media by storm.  (LIVE SCORECARD | NEWS |VIDEOS)
The left-arm spinner, who had leaked 62 runs in the recently-concluded Twenty20 series against the Proteas, replaced the in-form leg-spinner Amit Mishra in the team. Axar's selection has been mocked by Twitterati who linked this move to Hardik Patel's reservation campaign. (India vs South Africa 3rd ODI: With Folded Hands, Kids Plead Hardik Patel Not to Disrupt Rajkot Tie)
Hardik Patel is a 22-year-old politician and face of a massive agitation by Gujarat's powerful Patidar or Patel community for reservation in jobs and colleges. He has threatened to stage a protest at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, where the Rajkot ODI will be played this Sunday. (Hardik Patel's Protest Threat Leaves Rajkot Cricket Bosses in a Spin)
The Patidaars have reportedly bought a 1000 tickets at the 27,000-seat stadium for the match.
On Twitter, cricket fans wanted to know if Axar had been included as part of a "quota" for India's next game.
@ggiittiikkaa Hardik Patel to agitate for the inclusion of Axar Patel under reservation in the playing XI in the Rajkot ODI. #INDvSA
- Pramod K T (@pramodthimmaiah) October 11, 2015
You know hardik patel's andolan is doing good when axar patel makes into the team courtesy patel quota #IndvsSA #lolwa
- Akil Shetty (@ChokraShetty) October 14, 2015
Rumours: Axar Patel contacting Hardik patel to get some reservation!! XD #INDvSA
- the Guy next door (@insane_host) October 11, 2015
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Mishra's exclusion took cricket experts by surprise. Former South African skipper Graeme Smith criticised Mahendera Singh Dhoni's choice by saying: "Indian captain is clearly nervous when it comes to selecting his bowlers."
Former India leg-spinner, Anil Kumble also echoed the same sentiments by saying: "The South Africans were never in control of Mishra in the Kanpur ODI. He deserves to be India's fifth bowler."
Patel could only last for 27 balls as he was back in the hut after being adjudged LBW to Dale Steyn for 13.ÂÂ