Axar Patel, a left-arm spinner for Team India, says he’s not focused on securing a spot on the T20 World Cup squad at this moment. He feels that considering such would be too early, with the ICC event still several months out.
At 29, his performance stood out for India during the first T20I against Afghanistan. The game took place in Mohali on Thursday, January 11. When the Indian team won the toss and opted first to bowl, Axar Patel achieved 2/23 in four overs. Thus, Afghanistan could only muster 158/5.
The Men in Blue have a three-match T20I series with Afghanistan. It’s their final assignment before the T20 World Cup. The World Cup will be in the US and West Indies this June. However, first, the players will compete in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
After India’s Mohali match, Axar Patel spoke at a conference. India won by six wickets. Axar mentioned he isn’t planning too far into the future. The topic was the T20 World Cup competition for spots.
“There is competition, but it depends on how you take it. It is important to focus on the process. You can’t think about the T20 World Cup from now since there are five Tests against England, followed by the IPL. So, there’s some time left for the T20 World Cup.”
Axar Patel
India takes on Afghanistan first. Then, there are five England Tests. The IPL comes after. The left-arm spinner’s thoughts? Managing work matters. Everything starts with a good attitude.
“Playing continuously has its challenges, but we do get breaks. Mindset is the key, and you cannot be too conscious.”
Axar Patel
In the opening Twenty20 International, Afghanistan found themselves down a man when Axar Patel took the wickets of Rahmat Shah and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Pacer Mukesh Kumar contributed 2/33 as well.
“As a bowler, you can’t do much on this pitch” – Axar Patel
Looking back on his outstanding performance in the Mohali T20I, Axar acknowledged that the frigid weather did not make things any easier and that he did not receive much help from the surface.
But he also said that he was successful when he stuck to his fundamentals when playing the ball.
“There was no help from the pitch, the weather was also very harsh. My aim was to stick to my strength and wait for the batters to go after me. I bowled a tight line and got the wickets as the batters took a chance. As a bowler, you can’t do much on this pitch.”
Axar Patel
India won the Mohali Twenty20 International by chasing 159 in 17.3 overs, led by 60* off 40 by Shivam Dube.