IND vs SL 2023: Axar Patel has done really well whenever given the opportunity, says India coach Rahul Dravid

Team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid showered praise on Axar Patel after the all-rounder played a valiant knock of 65 runs off just 31 balls in the second T20I against Sri Lanka at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Thursday.

Axar Patel joined forces with Suryakumar Yadav when India was under the cosh at 57-5 after 9.1 overs, while chasing a stiff target of 207 runs. Patel was able to hit the ground running as he smashed a six against Hasaranga on the fourth ball he faced.

The left-hander then had the rub of the green as he was dropped by Kusal Mendis. Patel continued his assault against the Sri Lankan bowlers, smashing Wanindu Hasaranga for a hat-trick of sixes and thus giving a glimmer of hope to the Indian dugout. The southpaw reached his maiden T20I fifty off just 20 balls but still had a lot to do in the run-chase.

The 28-year-old from Gujarat added a fine alliance of 91 runs with Suryakumar Yadav but India fell short by 16 runs in the end.

“He’s doing a very good job. His batting has improved leaps and bounds. We always knew his quality with the ball and it was just about developing his batting and it had been identified. He’s been with the team for over a year now and it’s an area of his game that we have identified. It’s important for us to have that and Axar has got quite a lot of cricket recently, in the absence of Jadeja, and hasn’t let us down,” said Dravid in the post-match press conference.

“Whether it’s Test, ODI or T20I cricket. Whenever he’s got the opportunity, he’s done really well. So good signs for us, to have people like him and Washington Sundar, who isnt getting a lot of chances recently. He’s playing and batting really well. And then hopefully, Jadeja coming back as well, gives us options in the spin-bowling all-rounder area,” Dravid added.

On the other hand, Dravid also heaped praise on Shivam Mavi for playing a fine little cameo of 26 runs off just 15 balls. The youngster had an off day with the ball but took Madhushanaka for two sixes and a four to keep India in the hunt for the run-chase.

“It was nice to see Mavi back today, that brings a smile to your face, when you can see one of your fast bowlers bat like that. But our spin-bowling all-rounder stocks are very good at the moment. Even Shahbaz was in the squad, alongside Sundar and Jadeja, we’re happy with that,” said Dravid.

The deciding T20I will be played in Rajkot on Saturday.