Axar Patel finds 'self-belief' in his journey as an all-rounder

NEW DELHI: For Axar Patel, "self-belief" is the essential component in his rapid development as a valuable all-rounder in white ball games.

In the most recent example, Axar contributed significantly to India's 44-run victory over New Zealand in a Champions Trophy match on Sunday by scoring a useful 42 and then using his left-arm spin to take the valuable wicket of Kane Williamson.

"I was not able to click earlier and it was in the back of the mind that I was not able to show my talent. Maybe, I was putting more pressure on myself back then, despite knowing that I have the talent," Axar said in a mixed zone interaction with reporters in Dubai.

However, his mind was freed in 2022 by an undefeated 65-ball 64 against the West Indies in Barbados. India managed to chase down a formidable 312 thanks to the knock.



"After that match against the West Indies, I knew I could finish games. As soon as I gained that self-belief, I didn't think much about whether I wanted to show batting to anyone or not.

"I know that I have it and if I give my 100 percent, I can be confident of doing well continuously," he said.

Axar added that his promotion to the No. 5 batting position in white ball formats aided in his development as an all-rounder.

"When I get an opportunity, I try to bat based on the situation. But now, the approach has changed. Earlier, I used to come down and had to make runs quickly. Now, I know that there are more batsmen behind me, so I can play accordingly.

"I know that I have a lot of time. It depends on the requirement of the team as well and if I feel that I have to attack the spinner, I play accordingly like I had a partnership (a 98-run fourth wicket stand with Shreyas Iyer) in this match (vs NZ), and we could have a good total," he explained.

Varun Chakravarthy (5/42) was also commended by Axar for his match-winning spell.

"Credit goes to him. The T20 WC (2021) was not a good experience for him. But after that he has come back and his mental skill shows how ready he is. I think he is carrying forward his performances in T20s to ODIs," he added.

So what makes Chakravarthy a tough customer?

"It is very difficult to read from his hand. And the pace with which he bowls is very difficult. So, I think, if a batter misses (the line), there is a higher chance of getting out. He is fast in the air also," Axar said.