IND vs ZIM: It's A Little Tough When You Have To Sit Outside – Admits Axar Patel

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel opened up on being sidelined in white-ball cricket over the years. 

Axar was part of India’s squad in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. He played in all three games and returned with six wickets at 12.33 and an economy of 3.02. 

How Axar Patel returned to India’s ODI side?

An injury to senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the West Indies ODIs allowed Axar the opportunity to make a comeback in the format after close to five years. The last ODI  before the West Indies series Axar played was against New Zealand in October 2017. 

He starred in the second ODI, which India won by two wickets. The all-rounder was unbeaten on 64 off 35 deliveries, hammering three fours and five sixes at a strike rate over 182.

I back myself and train my mind: Axar Patel

The 28-year-old admitted that it has been a challenge for him to cement his position in the white-ball teams but won’t stop backing himself. 

“It is a little tough when you play two matches and suddenly you’ve to sit out,” Axar said at the post-match press conference after India’s 13-run win over Zimbabwe in the third ODI.

“And then again you play two or three matches. It’s tough but I back myself and train my mind to think that this is the opportunity for you to do well.

“If I do well here, I’ll get to play the next game. I can also play with the (cribbing) mindset that I get dropped after getting a couple of opportunities but I take it in a positive way that I’m getting an opportunity to perform for India. If I do well, I’ll improve myself. So it’s on you how you take it,” he added. 

India swept Zimbabwe 3-0 in the ODI series after Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan pulled off the game in the slog overs. Sikandar Raza scored a breathtaking century as a matter of resilience but missed the chance to take his side past the finishing line. 

Also Read: IND vs ZIM: ” He Gets Serious While Batting” – Axar Patel on Shubman Gill