Team India all-rounder Axar Patel opened up on playing under Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya in T20I matches. He expressed that both the leaders allow the players the freedom to express themselves. Axar Patel played a pivotal role for India in the recent T20I match against Afghanistan at Mohali.
Rohit Sharma led the Indian team in the match. They won the game by six wickets, going one-up in the three-match series. Axar Patel was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets at an economy rate of 5.8. Post India’s win, the all-rounder opened up on playing under Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Hardik Pandya led India in T20Is after the 2022 T20 World Cup.
“There is no difference. Both have given me freedom. They tell me to execute my plan first. They know my strengths and they allow me to set my field. And if my plans don’t work, they interfere. So, as a player I didn’t find any difference,” said Axar Patel.
Axar Patel reveals his bowling plans
Team India secured a convincing win against Afghanistan in the first T20I on Thursday, January 11 at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. The players braved a cold weather during the match. India chased down 159 runs comfortably on the back of a solid performance by the middle order. Shivam Dube slammed a half-century, scoring 60 runs with five boundaries and two sixes. He also took a wicket in the match and won the Player of the Match award.
Speaking post India’s win, Axar Patel, who took two wickets in the match, said,
“The wicket was not helping and the weather was also quite cold, so I was just wondering how can I give my best in these conditions. I decided to bowl in one area and let the batter take a chance. My mindset right now is about using the variations which has increased my confidence. Now I am not just thinking about being economical with the ball.”
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