Axar Patel explains how change in mindset has helped his bowling
India had commenced their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan with a commanding six-wicket victory in Mohali. While Shivam Dube’s unbeaten 60* rightfully earned him the Player of the Match award, it was Axar Patel’s economical bowling that laid the foundation for India’s comfortable win.
Patel had finished with figures of 2-23, claiming the crucial wickets of Afghanistan’s opener, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and the gritty Rahmat Shah. Gurbaz, also known for his explosive batting, was trapped stumped for just 23 runs in the eighth over, while Shah was castled for 3 in the tenth. The wicket of Gurbaz was also important as it was a much-needed breakthrough that India wanted. These dismissals pegged back Afghanistan’s scoring and put them on the back foot.
Patel’s bowling not only restricted Afghanistan’s scoring but also boosted the confidence of the Indian bowlers. The likes of Shivam Dube and Mukesh Kumar were able to capitalize on the early pressure created by Patel and kept things tight throughout the innings. Afghanistan eventually managed to post a total of 158/5, a score that India chased down with relative ease.
“I am not thinking of being only economical”
Axar Patel shed light on his bowling strategy after bamboozling Afghanistan in the first T20I. While speaking to the broadcasters, Patel revealed that he opted for a “Test match line” on a Mohali surface offering scant assistance to bowlers. He also said that he has changed his mindset in recent times as he likes to go for wickets instead of just looking to contain the runs.
“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,” he said.
He was also asked about the difference in playing under the likes of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Patel responded by saying that the two are quite similar in the sense that they give him immense freedom in terms of planning.
“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.
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