Final game for the old warhorse of Indian Cricket, a debutant who had been waiting in the wings for quite some time, a record partnership for the openers, nippy bowling spells and excellent fielding was the story of the 1st T20I against New Zealand.
India won the game at the Feroz Shah Kotla by 53 runs, going 1-0 up in the three-match T20I series. The comprehensive win was India’s very first victory against the Blackcaps in the shortest format of the game.
Team India’s bowling unit has been instrumental in curbing the flow of runs all through the ODIs. After India lost the first ODI in Mumbai, the Indian team called upon Axar Patel, which worked for the hosts.
“They played the sweep shot well in the first game. We knew that against spinners that was the strategy they will adapt and we formalised our strategy as per that by changing the angle by bowling over and round the wicket in turns,” added Axar Patel as he addressed the media on the eve of the 2nd T20I.
The lanky bowler also spoke about the freedom and confidence given to him by the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli.
“The captain backs you when you do well. I have been playing from the second ODI. He gives me the freedom to bowl what I want to. He leaves it to us and I to decide on what to do. He says if that plan doesn't succeed even then I will back you, which gives us confidence to bowl with a free mind”, added Axar.
The finger spinner has been assigned a specific role of curbing the runs and he has been doing that with a fair amount of success.
“My role is the same. The wrist spinner - Yuzvendra Chahal - gets turn on most wickets and his role is to attack more and try to take wickets in middle overs. Finger spinner's aim is to contain from one end. If pressure is put from both ends, there are more chances of getting the wickets," said Axar.
The Saurashtra Cricket Ground is a familiar territory for Axar and therefore he is well versed with the conditions.
“Obviously, it's my home ground and I have some idea about how the wicket will behave from my experience playing in the IPL over here. There is not much turn on offer but it's skiddy and there's some bounce. I know how to bowl here," he signed off.
