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[VIDEOS/PCTURES] Axar Patel - Discussion Thread

He is tall so gets bounce, accurate and seems to have a decent arm ball/natural variation with ball keeping straight. In home conditions (Especially if pitch is a turner) Indian team can possibly select him alongside Jadeja and Ashwin. All 3 spinners can bat as well and with different styles offer as much variety as possible without a wrist spinner. Considering the Indian pitches I am not sure if a wrist spinner is even required at the moment unless someone is really good as finger spinners can turn it enough and offer much more control as well.
 
A potential ATG. Outbowled the GOAT Ashwin in his first two test matches. Hopefully, he follows in the lead of his 'GOAT spinner and all-rounder' mentor and averages 40+ in SENA.
 
AHMEDABAD - India unveiled the latest spin hero from its production line when Axar Patel claimed 11 wickets in the lightning-fast two-day Test win over England.

The 27-year-old started off his cricket life as a fast bowler and only got his place in this crucial series because of an injury to star spinner Ravindra Jadeja.

Patel missed the first match of the series with his own injury worry. But after claiming five-wicket hauls in three of the four innings in which he has bowled, Patel has left Indian selectors in a quandary.

Captain Virat Kohli said England may have been "relieved" when Jadeja was injured.

"But then this guy comes in. Bowls it quicker and from a bigger height as well."

"It is a tribute to his hard work, his accuracy," said Kohli.

"It is impossible to sweep him, impossible to defend him all day. If the wicket gives him anything he is just a lethal bowler."

While England's batsmen may have been poor, Patel played the central role in bowling them out for 112 and 81 in the day-night third Test in Ahmedabad.

INDIA'S STRAIGHT MAN

The batsmen expected the ball to turn on the devilish track, but it kept going straight - 28 of the wickets to fall went to spinners and 21 were straight balls.

Patel even put Ravichandran Ashwin in the shade, even though the senior spinner's seven wickets took him past 400 in Tests.

"My strength is always about bowling wicket-to-wicket," Patel said after being named man of the match.

"It's about playing on the mindset of the batsmen. Strangle them for runs and then get them make the mistakes. Bowling more and more dot balls is my strength."

Patel had already made his mark in his debut in the second Test in Chennai in which he took his first five-wicket haul.

In Ahmedabad, he bowled Zak Crawley off the first ball of England's second innings and then rattled Jonny Bairstow's stumps two balls later.

He also trapped England skipper Joe Root lbw with one of his non-spinning deliveries that just skid off the turf.

Patel switched from being a left arm fast bowler on the advice of a coach.

The move paid rich dividends as Patel made his one-day debut as a 20-year-old in 2014 and played a Twenty20 match for India a year later.

He has claimed 45 ODI wickets in 38 matches but it is his Test exploits that won him rich praise.

"Coming out from nowhere and making it to the squad was not easy," batting star Rohit Sharma said.

"He was out injured for the first game so he was down, but he came back brilliantly. He understands conditions well and knows what pace and what line to bowl."

"It all goes into his skillset. Wider from the crease and slightly slingy action too so it makes it tough for batsmen to pick him."

With his whippy action, Patel is often jokingly compared to the Pakistan left-arm quick Wasim Akram by teammates.

"They call me Wasim bhai (Wasim brother) because they feel my arm ball is very lethal," he said with a smile.

But after the mauling he gave England, now 2-1 down in the series, opposing batsman will have to take Patel very seriously.

https://ewn.co.za/2021/02/26/kohli-...g-patel?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
 
Most wickets in debut series (India)

27 AXAR PATEL vs Eng 2020/21 (3 Tests)
27 Dilip Doshi v Aus 1979/80 (6)
24 Shivlal Yadav v Aus 1979/80 (5)
22 R Ashwin v WI 2011/12 (3)
21 S Venkatraghavan v NZ 1964/65 (4)
 
First time I've seen The Axe live.

Very impressed. Bowls a good pace for these turning pitches, extremely accurate and consistent with line and length. Gets a few to turn which makes that straighter one so dangerous.

He'd walk into most Test lineups as their #1 spinner. How did Shabaz Nadeem play over him ?!
 
Nadeem got lucky but not anymore. Its going to be Axar taking the flight to England now
 
First time I've seen The Axe live.

Very impressed. Bowls a good pace for these turning pitches, extremely accurate and consistent with line and length. Gets a few to turn which makes that straighter one so dangerous.

He'd walk into most Test lineups as their #1 spinner. How did Shabaz Nadeem play over him ?!

Axar was injured for 1st test..
 
A potential ATG. Outbowled the GOAT Ashwin in his first two test matches. Hopefully, he follows in the lead of his 'GOAT spinner and all-rounder' mentor and averages 40+ in SENA.

55+. And I did not know Yasir is his mentor. Good job Messi.
 
Looks a terrific find. Will be interesting to see how he performs away from home. He has the height and accuracy to do very well.
 
He is very accurate. Turning tracks surely helps his style of bowling, but it will be interesting to see how he does on somewhat flatter tracks.

I have rarely seen a debutant bowling so accurately. We just saw Dom, it is not easy to be accurate even if it looks effortless.
 
He is very accurate. Turning tracks surely helps his style of bowling, but it will be interesting to see how he does on somewhat flatter tracks.

I have rarely seen a debutant bowling so accurately. We just saw Dom, it is not easy to be accurate even if it looks effortless.

I think India would play Jadeja over him.
 
India spinner Axar Patel made his international debut in the series against England and immediately left a mark with his performance with the ball. The left-armer picked up 27 wickets in three games, becoming the highest-wicket taker for India in his debut series consisting of 4 matches.

On the third day of the 4th Test, the 27-year-old registered his 4th five-wicket haul as India bowled out England for 135, and won the match by an innings and 25 runs.

Also read: 'A lot to take and learn from this tour,' Joe Root, Ben Stokes congratulate Team India on Twitter

Pakistan bowling legend praised Axar for his performance and said that he could go on to become the fastest bowler to pick 100 wickets.

“Not only did he get a suitable wicket to bowl on, but he is an intelligent bowler too. He wouldn’t have given a chance to the English players when the control was in his hands, and that is what he did," Akhtar said in a video uploaded on his Youtube channel.

"If he keeps getting a few series like this, he might just become the fastest bowler to 100 wickets. Having said that, England should have played him better,” he added.

The left-arm spinner, after the series win, said that the confidence he gained throughout the series helped him in getting more and more wickets.

"I think the confidence helped me. I got wickets in the first game and kept on carrying the confidence," Axar had said at the post-match presentation ceremony after the 4th Test on Saturday.

The bowler had also added useful 43 runs for India in the match. "When me and Washi were batting, we thought the pace variation wasn't there. I only bowled faster ones more often in the previous games but here we needed to vary our pace," he added.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...-wickets-in-test-cricket-101615167471636.html
 
https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/delhi-capitals-all-rounder-axar-patel-set-to-miss-ipl-2021-match-against-ms-dhoni-led-csk-on-april-10-due-to-covid-19-positive-report-976327

Another big blow for last year’s finalists Delhi Capitals as their ace all-rounder Axar Patel will not take part in his team’s opening game of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League, scheduled to begin on April 9 in Chennai. Axar Patel, who was tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, has been kept in isolation due to quarantine protocols.

This is the second major blow for Delhi after the injury of their regular captain Shreyas Iyer who was ruled out from this year’s IPL. Iyer suffered dislocated his right shoulder during the ODI series between India and England. The injury was serious enough for the Indian batsman to be ruled out of the 2021 edition of the cash-rich T20 tournament.

“Axar had checked into the team hotel in Mumbai on March 28, 2021, with a negative report. His report from the second COVID test, came positive,” the franchise said in a statement.

“He is currently in isolation at a designated medical care facility. The Delhi Capitals medical team is in constant touch with Axar and ensuring his safety and well-being. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

As per IPL protocol, Patel will have to serve a mandatory 10-day quarantine period and has to return two negative RT-PCR results on the final two days to return to action.

Since his quarantine period will be over on April 12, Patel will not be available for DC’s opener against CSK on April 10 in Mumbai. He might miss the second game too on April 15 against Rajasthan Royals.

As per the BCCI SOP given to all franchisees, the player, who tests COVID-19 positive, has to undergo a set of tests.

During the 10-day isolation, the individual will undergo an RT-PCR test on Day 9 and Day 10. Provided, both the test results from Day 9 and Day 10 are negative, and he/she does not have any symptoms for more than 24 hours, the individual will be permitted to re-enter the Bio-Secure Environment.

After recovery, players must undergo a cardiac screening before resuming any team activities, according to the protocol.

Axar recently got 27 wickets in three Tests in his debut series against England.

Patel is the second IPL player to have returned a positive report after Nitish Rana. The left-handed Kolkata Knight Riders batsman had initially tested positive for COVID-19 but later returned a negative report.
 
In a fledgling Test career, Axar Patel has toyed with England. And now, the all-rounder has started mind-games before India's tour of England, saying the 'Poms' can't read spin.

Patel, 27, made his Test debut in February during England's tour of India. In three matches, he claimed 27 wickets at a stunning average of 10.59. In the process, the left-arm spinner also broke a host of records, including back-to-back five-wicket hauls in a pink ball Test.

"If they are in doubt whether it’s spinning or not, they just play sweeps and reverse-sweeps. If one bowls stump-to-stump, then it gets tough for them but if the ball is pitched outside off-stump or leg-stump they go for the sweep. They don’t read the ball from my hand, instead, they go by where it’s pitched," Patel told The Indian Express.

Patel's exploits came in the so-called dust bowls in India, and he is unlikely to get a chance in England. But he played down the role of 'conditions,' saying his "bowling is different from others".

"I don’t think much, I have played in all conditions. It depends on how consistent I’m. My bowling is different from others, I bowl with pace and bowl quicker ones. I can add that ball which can spin [more] and I’m practising it. Whenever I meet any senior player, be it Anilbhai (Kumble) or Ashwin, I ask them what more I can do. I take inputs and try to improve my bowling," he added.

India will first take on New Zealand in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand from June 18 before a full series against England.

The team, which is currently undergoing hard quarantine in Mumbai, is expected to leave for England on June 2.

https://www.outlookindia.com/websit...games-ahead-of-england-vs-india-series/383706
 
I don't see how you can drop him from the test side after the series he had against England
 
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Jadeja has been playing T20 since 2009. Still as useless as he was. Even at his peak. India has no all rounders. Hence it is a compromising selection.
 
Most five-wicket hauls in first four Tests:

6 Charlie Turner
5 Tom Richardson/ Rodney Hogg/ Axar Patel
4 Fred Spofforth/ Syd Barnes/ Nick Cook/ Vernon Philander


Previous most for India: three each by L Sivaramakrishnan & Narendra Hirwani

Axar Patel in Test cricket:

2/40
5/60
6/38
5/32
4/68
5/48
5/62
 
Sunny G once upon a time :qdkcheeky

Axar Patel predictable, not Test material: Sunil Gavaskar

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar on Thursday said young left-arm spinner Axar Patel was not Test cricket material, and was at best "a roller of the ball" who was very much predictable.

According to Sunil Gavaskar, Axar Patel is "not the next big thing of Indian cricket" and cannot be considered as a specialist spinner in Test cricket because he does not turn the ball.

Gavaskar said that 21-year-old spinner was "not the next big thing of Indian cricket" and could not be considered as a specialist spinner in Test cricket because he does not turn the ball.

"No, Axar Patel is not an alternative spinner India should be looking for. He just rolls the ball, he does not have the flight and his deliveries are very much predictable.

"He does not turn the ball unless the pitch is favourable. He is slightly slower than medium pace," Gavaskar said when asked whether the youngster could be a potential Test spinner.

"Yes, Ashwin, Harbhajan, Amit Mishra and Karn Sharma are the spinners India can look for but certainly not Axar Patel," Gavaskar told NDTV as he analysed India's Test team for the tour of Sri Lanka.

Patel has played 18 ODIs and two T20 Internationals after making his international debut last year. He has so far taken 23 wickets in his 18 ODIs for an average of 26.60, at an economy rate of 4.59.

He took two wickets from as many matches in the ODI series against Bangladesh last month and five scalps in three games in the just-concluded ODI games in Zimbabwe.

Gavaskar rued India had not produced many quality bowlers in the last few years and partly blamed the pitches offered in the Ranji Trophy for this.

"For the past few years, we have struggled to find quality spinners. One reason could be the kind of pitches we are offering for Ranji Trophy matches. We leave a lot of grass on these Ranji pitches and that does not help quality spinners come through," he said.

"We need to make these pitches level playing for both bat and ball. There may be grass but not a lot of grass. Early in the game, the spinners should be able to use their flight and drop the flight on the second and third days. We should prepare pitches like this," he added.

Gavaskar described Test captain Virat Kohli's decision to play a India 'A' match in Chennai ahead of the Sri Lanka series next month as a right one.

"It's a very good call on the part of Virat. He has not played much cricket in the last 2-3 weeks. His form was also not that good in Bangladesh for his standard. If he scores big in India A match, he can go with confidence in Sri Lanka," said Gavaskar.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/axar-patel-predictable-not-test-material-sunil-gavaskar/story-GAgHoQTSRV197KtQ9XM3dJ.html
 
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Fast catching up to runs scored with his wicket tally.

The Axe.
 
First Test 50 for Patel - held the innings together I feel.
 
He has had a great start to his Test career.

33 wickets from 4 Tests already. He is only 27.
 
Can any Indian fan explain why he is not playing and Jayant Yadav is? I have not seen a more unconventional and effective spinner than him in a long time. He's basically unsweepable given his height and trajectory of delivering the ball. And last I remember his average after that England series was under 10.
 
Can any Indian fan explain why he is not playing and Jayant Yadav is? I have not seen a more unconventional and effective spinner than him in a long time. He's basically unsweepable given his height and trajectory of delivering the ball. And last I remember his average after that England series was under 10.

Axar and Sundar are injured. Though Siraj could have played ahead of Jayant
 
Asia Cup 2022

Axar Patel replaces Ravindra Jadeja in Asia Cup squad

The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Axar Patel as the replacement for Ravindra Jadeja in the ongoing Asia Cup.

Ravindra Jadeja has sustained a right knee injury and is ruled out of the tournament. He is currently under the supervision of the BCCI medical team.

His replacement, Axar Patel was earlier named as one of the standbys in the squad and will join the team in Dubai soon.
 
Great news. Now Pant and Ashwin will play I think. Jadeja is a failure in T20 cricket.

My team against Pak on Sunday:

Kohli
Rohit
Rahul
Pant
SKY
Pandya
Hooda
Ashwin
Bishnoi
Bhuvi
Arshdeep
 
Rohit
Kohli
SKY
Pant(wkt)
D Hooda
Pandya
DK
Bhuvi
Arshdeep
Bumrah
Yuzi
 
Great news. Now Pant and Ashwin will play I think. Jadeja is a failure in T20 cricket.

My team against Pak on Sunday:

Kohli
Rohit
Rahul
Pant
SKY
Pandya
Hooda
Ashwin
Bishnoi
Bhuvi
Arshdeep
Pakistanis play spinners pretty well. Though Avesh will fail against other teams, Pakistani batsmen’s inability to play short ball makes him an ideal candidate against them. We have to play horses for courses.
 
Came in at 7 in the warmup against Australia. Don't think he's a like for like for Jadeja but India expecting the same role from him
 
Out for 84! What an innings against Australia in the first Test.
 
Is Axar Patel a better batsman than all Australian batters except Smith on turning pitches?

How come on a pitch where Axar Patel scored 84 runs just a session before, the whole Australian batting lineup are on verge of getting bowled out as they are currently 88/9?

This is disastrous stuff for Australia because unlike Jadeja or Washington Sundar, Axar Patel don't even have much batting credentials. :facepalm
 
vIsBomW.png
 

They score around 80-90 runs in India per innings and dislodge 5 opposition wickets on avg for the runs trio scored ..Match becomes unmatched just there ..This is regular occurrence especially in home tests ....Our test top and middle order is so poor from last 3 or 4 years and these guys are keeping the boat sailing..
 
A blistering 54(25) by Axar Patel for DC vs MI in IPL 2023 today
 
Axar can play as a pure batsman in the Indian team. He is better than some of the so called star batsmen.
 
Axar Patel speaks on India's preparation for the ICC World Test Championship Final and the challenge of adapting to changes in formats and conditions.

With IPL fever only just settling down, India now have little time to switch gears for a format change with the ICC World Test Championship Final starting on June 7.

Several members of the India squad have already arrived in England and kicked off their preparations for the big finale at the scenic Arundel Cricket Club. While they managed to catch a glimpse of the thrilling IPL 2023 final, Axar Patel, who was among the training group, confirmed that their preparations were going well for the WTC showdown against Australia.

The switch between formats in a short timeframe comes with its challenges, but Axar revealed that the preparations had begun during the IPL season itself where they practiced with the red ball.

"We knew about this before the start of IPL," Axar told the ICC in a break at the practice session.

"So even during the IPL, it was discussed that we will bowl with the red ball. We had red balls, so we were using them. You know when and how to play, how much time you have. This mental switch from white ball to red ball is obviously tough, but we have enough time."

"Those who did not qualify [for IPL Playoffs] got more time. So I don't think there will be many problems because we have had a good time to prepare."

While India play their red-ball games at home with the SG ball, the WTC Final will have the Dukes ball which is used in English conditions. Axar stated that they were practicing with the Dukes ball during the IPL, but maintained that the focus was on hitting the right spot irrespective of the ball used.

"The difference is the Dukes ball remains shinier for longer. But during the IPL, we had ordered the ball, so were practising with it and have gotten used to it.

"As I said, we switch from white ball to red ball. It is a similar switch to go from SG to Dukes, you have the use your talent and skill. You have to execute your plan, your bowling rhythm. Irrespective of the ball, if you bowl a good ball at a good spot, it works," Axar said.

"So that's what we're doing. Since the match is in England, which is different from India, we are planning what lines and lengths will work here. The same thing in practice, we are good to go."

Aside from the quick change in format, there's also the challenge of adapting to the relatively mild conditions in England from the sweltering heat of the Indian summer.

"We came after playing IPL, where it was 40-45 degrees in India. After that it feels great here. We have taken out our winter clothes and are roaming around wearing jumpers. It's also a bit windy. Whenever we come to the UK, we enjoy the weather. It remains a little cool, there is no heat."

Bowling plans are yet to come together, and Axar is happy to leave that to the bowling coach, but neither he nor the team is sweating over the complete contrast in conditions.

"Obviously, the conditions in India and England are different. The fast bowlers have more of a role here. In India, spinners play a more important role," Axar said.

"The conditions are the same for both teams. In England, the wind assists swing bowling and offers good bounce if you bowl at the right spots. The team is getting together slowly, so the planning will go on. We'll leave the planning to our bowling coach."

ICC
 
Decent player. In tests he looks to have been found out in bowling. These kind of roll the arm type bowlers are easier to line up. However his batting has improved tremendously.

Seems good for odi and t20.
 
Axar Patel has climbed 12 spots to achieve his career-best fifth position among bowlers, with several Indian players making notable progress in the ICC Men's T20I Player Rankings following impressive displays in the series against Afghanistan. Patel's performances included two for 23 and two for 16 in India's consecutive six-wicket victories over Afghanistan in the initial two T20Is of their three match series.
 
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Axar Patel bowls a decent spell of 1/21 in 4 overs against Rajashtan Royals while playing for Delhi Capitals.
 
A very poor spinner that completely owned Imad Wasim and exposed how bad of a player he is.

I think Axar Patel may have ended Imads international career.
 
Anderson has hammered Axar in T20s

Corey Anderson vs Axar Patel in T20s
5 inns, 56 runs, 29 balls, 1 out, 193 SR
 
Axar Patel removed England Captain Jos Buttler in his very first over in the 2nd Semi Final of 2024 T20 WC. Can he inflict any more damage to England batting line now?
 
A very poor spinner that completely owned Imad Wasim and exposed how bad of a player he is.

I think Axar Patel may have ended Imads international career.
Major what is your views on him?
 
Axar Patel took a hell of a beating today at the hands of Klaasen. An expensive over by him. Will this be the game changer for South Africa in T20 WC final 2024
 
Garbage spinner.

Turns out, he becomes the reason along with SKY for India losing almost losing another ICC trophy.
South Africa showed him how rubbish he really is.

He was smashed all around the park. Had it not been for Hardik and Bumrah, Axir would had lost it for India
 
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Garbage spinner.

Turns out, he becomes the reason along with SKY for India losing almost losing another ICC trophy.
South Africa showed him how rubbish he really is.

He was smashed all around the park. Had it not been for Hardik and Bumrah, Axir would had lost it for India
He batted very well today but bowled bad and this was his only off game, even our top bowler Kuldeep got smacked.
It was just Klassen who took on our spinners.

Axar already gave ATG performance in KO semis and throughout the tournament.
 
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He batted very well today but bowled bad and this was his only off game, even our top bowler Kuldeep got smacked.
It was just Klassen who took on our spinners.

Axar already gave ATG performance in KO semis and throughout the tournament.
Axar is rubbish. I would chose Bishnoi over him everyday.

I started to see Axar as rubbish every since Ifti ( a weak player of spin) smashed him for 3 sixes in MCG.
 
Axar is rubbish. I would chose Bishnoi over him everyday.

I started to see Axar as rubbish every since Ifti ( a weak player of spin) smashed him for 3 sixes in MCG.
Bishnoi is better than axar as a bowler, but Axar comes in as an all rounder.. which he delivered.
 
Axar's primary job was bowing which he failed at but he delivered while batting. That was a pretty important inning TBH and proved to be the difference in the end.
 
Bishnoi is better than axar as a bowler, but Axar comes in as an all rounder.. which he delivered.
Today Bishnoi would have travelled too. When the ball turns 0 degrees it is going to be a hardwork. Pitch was completely unsuitable for spinners.
 
Axar Patel unveils tactics that fueled crucial knock in the T20 World Cup final

Promoted up the order after an early stumble in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final, all-rounder Axar Patel went on to play an important knock that guided India to a winning total.

Axar walked in at number five, with India at a precarious 34/3 in Barbados last month in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final. However, his knock helped form a crucial 72-run partnership with Virat Kohli, and helped India fight back against South Africa in the final.

In an interview with Cricbuzz.com, Axar reminiscenced the hectic mood in the Indian camp behind the scenes after India had lost Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant within the first two overs.

“Rohit bhai was standing beside me when Rishabh Pant got out,” Axar said, recalling the incident.

“He told me ‘Axar pads pehen le’ [Axar, pad up]. After that (Yuzvendra) Chahal came running to tell me that Rahul (Dravid) bhai wants me to pad up [too]. When I was padding up I did not know what to do.

“We were two wickets down and I had still not analysed the pitch. Next, I saw Suryakumar (Yadav) also got out. Things happened so suddenly that I did not have time to think.”

However, Axar got much-needed assurance from all-rounder Hardik Pandya before he walked out.

“When I was going down the staircase, Hardik told me in Gujarati not to take any stress. 'Just watch the ball and hit the ball,' he said and it stuck with me.

“I hit a boundary off the first ball I faced. I became very confident. I spoke to Virat bhai and he kept guiding me. He said, ‘I'm there. If you think that you can hit, then go for it.’ The constant communication was helpful. The rest is history.”

The move to send Axar up the order wasn’t deployed for the first time in the final. The all-rounder had experienced a similar scenario when India took on Pakistan during their group game in New York.

In that match, Axar walked in at 19/2, and stitched a crucial stand with Rishabh Pant, adding 20 runs in a stand of 39, which helped India post a good total.

“Before the match, I was told that I may have to bat early if there are early wickets. At that time I was nervous. In the nets, I did not practise with the new ball and suddenly I was having to play in Powerplay,”

Looking back at his knock, Axar credited his time with Delhi Capitals in the IPL. “My IPL experience came in handy and it made me feel positive.”

On a slow wicket, Axar tried to take the Pakistan attack heads on, and hit three boundaries during his brisk knock. The batter’s positive intent was informed by playing to the situation.

“I had to be positive and not worry about who would be bowling to me. I was not trying to overthink. And I knew that I had the game to play according to the situation. I just wanted to stay in the present. That worked for me against Pakistan.”

The all-rounder, who also made several contributions with the ball during India’s successful run, believed that high-pressure situations brought out the best in him.

“It's all about mindset. When there is pressure, I don't get fazed. I stay calm, think about the game, and handle myself accordingly.

“The key is staying in the present. It's not easy, but I focus on the immediate task at hand: which bowler I'm facing and what the situation demands. I don't get double-minded.”

Axar is a part of both the ODI and T20I squads for India’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka in July.

 
Speaking to a sports media outlet, Axar Patel revealed that his background in tennis ball cricket prepared him to hit shots against every kind of ball:

"Playing tennis ball cricket had an impact on my hitting ability because, in that format, you can hit almost every ball for a six or a four, especially in short 10-12 over games. It also influenced my shot selection. Initially, I would predominantly hit the ball to the leg side. However, when I transitioned to season ball cricket, I realised the importance of playing with the swing and not just slogging every ball. I worked on expanding my hitting areas, focusing on playing straight and avoiding cross-batted shots."
 
Axar hails Suryakumar as a 'bowler's captain'

A new look India T20I outfit beat Sri Lanka by 43 runs in the first T20I in Pallekele.

India overcame Sri Lanka to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series in what was the first game for Suryakumar Yadav as full-time T20I captain. The Men in Blue posted a strong total of 213/7 on the back of attacking knocks from Surya (58 from 26), and Rishabh Pant (49 from 33).

At one stage, Sri Lanka were well on course at 140/1 in 14 overs, but India fought back and bowled out the Islanders in the 20th over.

All-rounder Axar Patel, who triggered the collapse with his double-wicket strike in the 15th over, praised skipper Suryakumar Yadav for his calm approach and the freedom he gave to the bowlers.

“I know that he’s a bowler’s captain. He gives the bowlers a free hand, to decide on their fields, and then backs them up even if they are hit. He gives you inputs. As a player, I’ve a good bond with him, and I’ve enjoyed playing under his captaincy too,” Axar said in the post-match press conference.

Axar had an ordinary start with the ball, giving away 29 runs in the first three overs but was backed by Surya to bowl at a crucial stage. The left-arm spinner justified his captain's trust, picking up the big wickets of set batters Pathum Nissanka (79 from 48) and Kusal Perera (20 from 14) in his final over.

“Even today, I didn’t feel any change in his approach, when I was hit for runs in the first three overs, he told me what the other options were, and what can be done to get wickets.

“He said there’s no problem if you’re hit for a four or a six. As a bowler, that gives you confidence. If your captain backs you, then you can try out other things.”

Despite being under the pump when the Sri Lankan top 3 were firing, the Indian side didn’t give up hope and believed they were in contention.

“Wicket got better and better in the night. We knew we had a good score, we didn’t think they were ahead even when they were going at 10 an over. We said that the game is still on, we’ve put the score, so they’ve to chase it down.

“We knew from our innings, that when the ball gets old, it’s not easy to hit. We knew we were one wicket away.”

In India’s batting innings, Suryakumar walked ahead of Pant at No.3, a change from the T20 World Cup approach where the wicket-keeper batter played one-down. However, according to Axar, it was a tactical call.

“We have four left-handers and four-right handers. We want to keep it that way because it makes it tough for the bowlers. I think the idea was to use that combination to perfection since we had the option.”

India and Sri Lanka will play the second T20I on Sunday, 28th July in Pallekele.

ICC
 
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