NEW DELHI: India’s Axar Patel admitted he was guilty of trying to hit the ball during the disastrous T20I series against England, saying a change in mindset and greater faith in timing helped him produce a winning all-round performance in the opening ODI at Edgbaston.Axar, who was named Player of the Match, starred with both bat and ball as India bounced back from their 0-4 T20I series defeat to record a six-wicket win in the first ODI. The arm spinner returned figures of 4/62 in 9.5 overs before hitting a composed 57 off 52 balls, guiding India to a successful chase of 259 with 28 balls to spare. Captain Shubman Gill (80 retired hurt) and Washington Sundar (52 not out) also made valuable contributions as India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Axar explains the T20I struggles
Reflecting on his poor T20I return, where he managed just 19 runs in four innings, Axar said he realized he was sacrificing technique in search of power.“It was very important for me to deliver this kind of performance. As for my mind, I needed to keep in it. I had to stay focused rather than thinking that it will just happen by itself. I had to believe in myself and execute my plans,” Axar told JioStar.“I felt like I tried to hit the ball too hard during the T20Is,” he said.The 32-year-old explained that batting in the death during the T20 series forced him to play high-risk shots, affecting his balance at the crease.“When you go to bat in the death, you have no other option but to go for the big shots, but I lost my form a little. So, when I went to bat in this game, after having a great start, I just wanted to build a partnership,” he explained.
Timing over power pays dividends
Axar said Edgbaston’s slower surface required patience, prompting him to rely on his timing rather than muscle the ball.“I wasn’t trying to hit the ball too hard because I knew I had time and could afford to take a few more balls. I was focused on my timing,” he said.He added that the conditions made life difficult for the new batsmen, with swing, swing and seam movement rewarding those willing to spend time at the crease before attacking.Axar also credited the return of senior stars Rohit Sharma, Virat KohliJasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul, saying their presence brought calm and confidence to the dressing room.
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“We have been playing alongside each other for a long time. Everyone knows their roles, there is unity, and you can see it on the pitch as well. It creates a very relaxed atmosphere,” he said.India will look to seal the three-match ODI series when they take on England in the second match in Cardiff on Thursday.