One of the great knocks – Axar Patel on Ishan Kishan's 77 against Pakistan

Axar Patel delivered an excellent spell against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026 clash, registering the wickets of Babar Azam and Usman Khan as he was one among India's top performers with the ball after Ishan Kishan put on a show with his half-century.

Talking at the post-match press conference, Axar highlighted his plan that secured him the brace in the all-important game while also heaping praise on Ishan Kishan for his phenomenal performance against Pakistan.

Explaining his strategy for bowling against Pakistan, Axar said, “The odd ball was skidding and deliveries were spinning more. When I was bowling with the new ball, I realized that the new ball was skidding a little more. So the plan was [according to] what the batter wants to do, which area he wants to target. After that I changed my line or length. And the second dismissal was that he (Usman) was stepping out. So I again went for my length."

Lauding Ishan Kishan for his phenomenal innings, Ishan said, “The way he batted, I think it was one of the great knocks, because it was not so easy. The ball was spinning, some were going straight under lights, so it was not easy. He has carried the form from domestic cricket to the New Zealand series and he also scored 50 in the last match (against Namibia). So when your confidence is high you don't think much about yourself or the wicket.”

Axar concluded by saying, “Obviously there is confidence and also a lot of skill. He has not hit all his shots in one place, he has played shots all over, over the cover, slips. He used the field well. Credit goes to him."