They are depending on me to step up when the team needs someone to: Axar Patel

Axar Patel, an all-around player, was essential to India’s victory in the just finished T20 World Cup. In eight matches, he claimed nine wickets at an economy rate of 7.86 while also providing deliveries with the bat when needed. Axar was elevated up the order and went on to form a critical 52-run combination with Virat Kohli in the crucial final, which allowed the Men in Blue seize the initiative following a wobbly start.

The southpaw disclosed that, just before taking the field in the championship game, he learned of his promotion. ‘See the ball, hit the ball’ was his approach, and he said he wasn’t nervous.

Axar Patel also discussed how some players want to bat at a particular position, but he was assigned to be a floater and found benefits in that the management would elevate him anytime the club needed someone to step up.

Every hitter like to have a set batting position since it makes planning for his part easier. However, I believe that because of your trustworthiness as a floater, the coach and captain are putting you in challenging circumstances.  Axar as stating, “I am taking that positively.”

Axar also discussed how he has become a better batter in recent years. He was chosen for the ODI series against Sri Lanka over the more seasoned Ravindra Jadeja because the team management is aware of this as well.

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“The team is counting on me to step up when they need someone to. It implies that they recognise something in me. You naturally begin to trust yourself even more when your team has faith in you to perform under pressure. Additionally, it gives your confidence a whole different kind of boost once you perform well in one or two games,” he continued.