(AP Photo)
Indian all-rounder Axar Patel divulged his strategies, both in batting and bowling, against Pakistan in a candid conversation on Chahal TV. Patel shared insights into his role batting at number four and his approach to bowling against Imad Wasim during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 clash between India and Pakistan.
India secured a hard-fought victory over Pakistan by six runs in their encounter, successfully defending a target of 120 runs with a stellar bowling performance in the second innings.
Axar Patel played a pivotal role, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. As a left-handed batsman, he scored 20 runs off 18 balls and also claimed a wicket, conceding just 11 runs in his two overs.
Axar Patel reveals his tactic against Pakistan on Chahal TV
Following India’s triumph over Pakistan, Yuzvendra Chahal engaged in a lively chat with Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, and Rishabh Pant on Chahal TV, celebrating their standout contributions to the team’s success. Notably, Pant emerged as India’s top scorer with 42 runs, while Siraj’s all-round performance saw him chip in with a crucial 7 runs from 7 balls, along with capturing a wicket.
Chahal, one of the spin options in India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad, delved into discussions with Axar Patel regarding his tactical approach both with the ball and the bat during the match. Their exchange is detailed below.
Yuzi: “Bapu, first tell us, when you found out you were going to be No. 4th in batting, what did you plan? How did you plan?”
Axar: “I didn’t have a chance to plan when I found out I was going to be 4th. When I went to bat, it was easy for me. Our captain wasn’t telling me anything about cricket”. He was just joking around. He knew I would be a little easy. And he kept telling me something about every ball. So I also talked a little and it became a little easier. So that was the planning and nothing else”.
Yuzi: “And tell us about the bowling that you overtook Imad. How did you plan that?”
Axar: “The plan was that I don’t want to give in his range. I don’t want to get a sixer in the mid-wicket. Because the wind was also going that way. So I talked to the captain, Rohit Bhai, that I will put the ball on the cut, give me two minutes”.
Chahal posed further inquiries to all three players during their interaction. The complete video was shared by BCCI on their official Instagram account. Check out the video below for the full conversation.
Yuzvendra Chahal was notably absent from India’s playing XI in the match against Pakistan. Instead, Rohit Sharma opted for a lineup featuring three dedicated pacers and two spin all-rounders.
Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj spearheaded the pace attack, while Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja took charge of the spin duties. Hardik Pandya served as the fourth seam option for India.
Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar performance, marked by a three-wicket haul, played a pivotal role in securing the victory and earned him the player-of-the-match accolade. It’s worth noting that Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav are the designated spinners in India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad.
