In exclusive conversation with Delhi Capitals Axar Patel talks to TOI about proving critics wrong, sticking to his strengths and why he is a more mature version of himself going into T20s world Cup.
In the beginning, there’s nothing fancy in this letters Patel. Still, there is something that enables him to consistently perform well – be it for Delhi Capitals in the IPL or the limited number of opportunities he has had to play for India.
Together Ravindra JadejaHe has been the face of the flat-round-armed left-arm spinning revolution in Indian cricket. their unique similarities with JadejaHe got the nickname ‘Bapu’ from M S Dhoni.
“The surname Bapu is very popular in Saurashtra. When I replaced Jaddu Bhai, Mahi bhai He said that I am also such a left-arm spinner and a left-handed batsman from Gujarat. He said it was not much fun to say ‘Akshar’ while cheering from behind the stumps. Thus, they started calling me ‘Bapu’ because Jaddu Bhai is from Saurashtra. And once Mahi bhai said on the stump mic, my name should be Bapu. Rishabh has taken it to another level at the stump mic,” Akshar burst into laughter.
Now that he is gearing up for the IPL playoffs and the T20 World Cup in UAE, the always smiling 27-year-old talks about his journey.
Part…
You have hardly had a bad match since last year. How did this continuity come about?
I have become more confident. I made my Test debut on the basis of my last IPL. I did well in Tests as well. And I’m taking it forward. we have Amit Mishra In Delhi Capitals Bench. It’s Ashwin. It is competitive. I push myself to make sure I secure my spot and I am not one to be out if the team is looking to make changes or bring in a leg-spinner.
you say Ricky Ponting Played a big role…
Last year, he took me aside and told me that I was one of the main players on the Capitals team. Now that I have done well, he keeps reminding me what he said and that I should do what I am doing. And the best thing about Ricky is that it doesn’t matter if you are an international player. That’s why we have so much trust in him.
How was it bowling with Ashwin?
Ash is a person with a different mindset. He is more academic. If I had half the skill as him, I would have done much better. I try to choose how his mind works in different situations. He has different plans for every batsman. Thinks deeply. (He thinks really deeply). I talk to him about how to deal with a batsman who is picking me up really well. I don’t ask him to teach you the variations he has. We talk more about setting up the field and mindset.
Both you and Jadeja are different from classical left-arm spinners. Acceptance was an issue even from former cricketers…
This is a very important issue for me and others to follow. Jaddu and I didn’t bowl too much and critics reprimanded us saying that we bowled only one kind. That was the toughest period for me. Even my friends and people from my academies kept telling me that I don’t know anything other than flat bowling. I was criticized whenever I was on vacation. I heard a lot of taunts. Then I analyzed myself and realized that nobody likes my way of bowling and still I played for India and did well in IPL. It means there is something special about me. I was picked because I was different from other left-arm spinners. Then I decided to ignore the opinions of others and stick to what I did. Then I changed the pace and got success. I am skilled enough to land the ball in the right place, even if you wake me up at three in the morning. People fail after making the grade because they stop supporting their strengths and strive to develop every skill.
You were also in the 2015 World Cup squad. But you get a chance to play only when you get hurt…
I work very hard to motivate myself. I play every match as if it is my last match. I can’t think of that as a selector. it is not my business. It’s hard when you’re sitting outside for a long time. But traveling with the Indian team keeps you ready. In the recent tour of England also we were doing well and the matches were close. We were all involved in the series. I don’t follow social media and those memes. I have warned my family and friends that if they share any negative thoughts with me, I will block them.
How much have you changed from the 2015 World Cup to the 2021 T20 World Cup?
I haven’t changed much. I have improved my skills. I have worked on the pace variations and the batting has improved. After the shock of the injury, I have become mentally stronger. I am more mature than 2015.
The T20 World Cup has started within a week of the IPL playoffs. how much are you and the capitals captain Rishabh Pant Thinking about the World Cup?
The World Cup is definitely on our mind but we haven’t talked much about it. IPL playoff is the best preparation because in IPL you will have most of your rivals in the world cup. Rishabh and I have the same mindset. We don’t think too far and worry about outside noise. We know we will put pressure on ourselves if we think about planning the World Cup.
How happy is Axar Patel now?
(smiles and then prepares himself) When you start playing cricket seriously, your dream is to play and perform for India. The trick is how you motivate yourself after playing for India. There should always be something new that inspires you. I have been playing for India for a while now but ICC events like the World Cup and WTC finals are the real deal. So, I always wanted to play in such a big tournament. I am happy to be a part of WTC Final and T20 World Cup. But once selected it is important to stay balanced and not put too much effort.
In the beginning, there’s nothing fancy in this letters Patel. Still, there is something that enables him to consistently perform well – be it for Delhi Capitals in the IPL or the limited number of opportunities he has had to play for India.
Together Ravindra JadejaHe has been the face of the flat-round-armed left-arm spinning revolution in Indian cricket. their unique similarities with JadejaHe got the nickname ‘Bapu’ from M S Dhoni.
“The surname Bapu is very popular in Saurashtra. When I replaced Jaddu Bhai, Mahi bhai He said that I am also such a left-arm spinner and a left-handed batsman from Gujarat. He said it was not much fun to say ‘Akshar’ while cheering from behind the stumps. Thus, they started calling me ‘Bapu’ because Jaddu Bhai is from Saurashtra. And once Mahi bhai said on the stump mic, my name should be Bapu. Rishabh has taken it to another level at the stump mic,” Akshar burst into laughter.
Now that he is gearing up for the IPL playoffs and the T20 World Cup in UAE, the always smiling 27-year-old talks about his journey.
Part…
You have hardly had a bad match since last year. How did this continuity come about?
I have become more confident. I made my Test debut on the basis of my last IPL. I did well in Tests as well. And I’m taking it forward. we have Amit Mishra In Delhi Capitals Bench. It’s Ashwin. It is competitive. I push myself to make sure I secure my spot and I am not one to be out if the team is looking to make changes or bring in a leg-spinner.
you say Ricky Ponting Played a big role…
Last year, he took me aside and told me that I was one of the main players on the Capitals team. Now that I have done well, he keeps reminding me what he said and that I should do what I am doing. And the best thing about Ricky is that it doesn’t matter if you are an international player. That’s why we have so much trust in him.
How was it bowling with Ashwin?
Ash is a person with a different mindset. He is more academic. If I had half the skill as him, I would have done much better. I try to choose how his mind works in different situations. He has different plans for every batsman. Thinks deeply. (He thinks really deeply). I talk to him about how to deal with a batsman who is picking me up really well. I don’t ask him to teach you the variations he has. We talk more about setting up the field and mindset.
Both you and Jadeja are different from classical left-arm spinners. Acceptance was an issue even from former cricketers…
This is a very important issue for me and others to follow. Jaddu and I didn’t bowl too much and critics reprimanded us saying that we bowled only one kind. That was the toughest period for me. Even my friends and people from my academies kept telling me that I don’t know anything other than flat bowling. I was criticized whenever I was on vacation. I heard a lot of taunts. Then I analyzed myself and realized that nobody likes my way of bowling and still I played for India and did well in IPL. It means there is something special about me. I was picked because I was different from other left-arm spinners. Then I decided to ignore the opinions of others and stick to what I did. Then I changed the pace and got success. I am skilled enough to land the ball in the right place, even if you wake me up at three in the morning. People fail after making the grade because they stop supporting their strengths and strive to develop every skill.
You were also in the 2015 World Cup squad. But you get a chance to play only when you get hurt…
I work very hard to motivate myself. I play every match as if it is my last match. I can’t think of that as a selector. it is not my business. It’s hard when you’re sitting outside for a long time. But traveling with the Indian team keeps you ready. In the recent tour of England also we were doing well and the matches were close. We were all involved in the series. I don’t follow social media and those memes. I have warned my family and friends that if they share any negative thoughts with me, I will block them.
How much have you changed from the 2015 World Cup to the 2021 T20 World Cup?
I haven’t changed much. I have improved my skills. I have worked on the pace variations and the batting has improved. After the shock of the injury, I have become mentally stronger. I am more mature than 2015.
The T20 World Cup has started within a week of the IPL playoffs. how much are you and the capitals captain Rishabh Pant Thinking about the World Cup?
The World Cup is definitely on our mind but we haven’t talked much about it. IPL playoff is the best preparation because in IPL you will have most of your rivals in the world cup. Rishabh and I have the same mindset. We don’t think too far and worry about outside noise. We know we will put pressure on ourselves if we think about planning the World Cup.
How happy is Axar Patel now?
(smiles and then prepares himself) When you start playing cricket seriously, your dream is to play and perform for India. The trick is how you motivate yourself after playing for India. There should always be something new that inspires you. I have been playing for India for a while now but ICC events like the World Cup and WTC finals are the real deal. So, I always wanted to play in such a big tournament. I am happy to be a part of WTC Final and T20 World Cup. But once selected it is important to stay balanced and not put too much effort.
.