West Indies vs India 2023

Axar Patel credits Indian T20 League for successful chase vs West Indies in second ODI

India all-rounder, Axar Patel, played a match-winning knock of unbeaten 64 in just 35 balls in the second ODI against West Indies on Sunday. When he came out to bat at number seven, the team needed almost 100 runs in the last 11 overs. The team had the last half of their side at that stage and the onus was on him and Hooda to guide the team home. The duo needed to make sure that the required run rate didn’t shoot up beyond reach.

Patel’s inning ensured that the Men In Blue chased down the target of 312 runs with two balls and as many wickets remaining. After the game, he was adjudged as the ‘Player of The Match’. After receiving the award, the Gujarat player said that the inning was special and crucial at the same time as it came at a time when the team needed the most.

The 28-year-old revealed that he aimed to score 10 to 11 runs every over and credited the Indian T20 League for doing that. The left-arm spinner added that the team needed to remain calm and their intensity up.

“It’s very special. It came at a crucial time and also helped the team to win the series,” the 28-year-old said after collecting the man-of-the-match award.

“When I went out, I aimed for 10-11 an over. We thought it could be done because of our IPL experience.

“We just needed to remain calm and keep the intensity up. This is my first ODI (series) after nearly five years. I would want to continue performing like this for my team.”

He is making a comeback in the 50-over format after a long time. He last represented Indian team in ODIs in 2017. These days, he is one of the most preferred choices in the spin department in Tests since making his debut early last year against England.

Meanwhile, with this win, the visitors have taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three-match series. The last game will be played on July 27, before heading into the five-match T20I series starting on July 29.