If I have an impact for my team, I think that's the best game for me – Axar Patel

Team India registered their second win in the ongoing five-match T20I series, surging ahead by a 2-1 margin with another game to go. A modest run-chase for Australia went horribly wrong as the Indian bowlers looked in fine shape, leaving the hosts with much to desire. Axar Patel played an instrumental role as an all-rounder, smashing 21 runs with the bat while claiming a couple of wickets. He also won the Player of the Match award for his defining performance in both the departments.

Talking at the post-match presentation, Axar opened up on his batting position in the game while also offering a basic understanding of the surface before he started batting. He shed some light on his bowling too, chronicling numbers which were instrumental in shaping up India’s victory.

Axar said, “I got a chance because I went into bat at number 7, so I think I had a chance to get to know the wicket. After I spoke with the batters, they were saying that the wicket is not coming on... There was unexpected bounce and the wicket was a little bit slower, so I just held my position and hit. I think whenever the team needs me that's my preferred (batting) position.”

He further stated, “If I have an impact for my team, I think that's the best game for me. I don't think that number 6 or 7 is my preferred position. I just go there and think what my team needs now, I'll do that. I was thinking that was the batters' strength, so I was bowling according to my plan.”

He concluded with a quick elaboration of his technique, adding, “If the batters are going to hit me down the line, then I can bowl in the middle-stump. Good length, 5-6m length and then if things are slipping from me, then I'll just bowl an odd full one. So that's my plan in these conditions, I think wicket to wicket is the most important thing.”