India all-rounder Axar Patel praises new T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav for being a bowlers’ captain who empowers them to execute their plans freely. He also mentions that the team is focused on maximizing their batting combinations in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. Suryakumar and Team India started the series with a victory, defeating Sri Lanka by 43 runs in the first T20I.
“I played with Surya bhai as captain in the last Australia series. I know he values bowlers and gives them the liberty to make decisions,” Axar stated at the post-match press conference on Saturday.
Axar recalled his experience playing under Suryakumar during the T20I series against Australia last year, where India emerged victorious with a 4-1 scoreline.
“As a captain, I played with him in the last five matches (against Australia), and today, I didn’t feel much of a difference,” he mentioned.
Axar explained that the decision to alter the batting line-up in the opening T20I by not having Rishabh Pant at the top was geared towards maximizing the team’s left and right-hand batting options.
“Our team has a mix of four left-handers and four right-handers, creating challenges for bowlers with left-right batting partnerships,” Axar elaborated.
The spinner also shared insights on the continuity within the team under the guidance of new head coach Gautam Gambhir, emphasizing that there won’t be a significant shift in the team’s approach.
“I’ve played under various coaches and captains for the past 10 years. The team’s core remains the same despite changes in leadership,” Axar highlighted.
“Our focus is on maintaining our playing style while incorporating the coach’s inputs. The team atmosphere remains consistent,” he added.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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