IND vs SL 2023: Hardik Pandya gave me a lot of confidence in the dugout – Axar Patel

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has revealed he received full-backing of stand-in captain Hardik Pandya in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Patel returned with scores of 31* off 21, 65 off 31, and 21* off nine in the series, thus scoring 117 runs in three matches at an average of 117 and a strike rate of 195. The left-arm orthodox spinner also took three wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 7.40.

Thus, Patel was awarded the Player of the Series for his all-around performance. Patel came up with impressive performances with the bat against the Island country and he batted at his best.

The all-rounder stated he was happier to deliver with the bat for the team against Sri Lanka. Patel delivering the goods with the bat was a huge positive for India as it added depth to the team’s batting line-up.

Axar Patel said in the post-match presentation, “Feel happier when the team benefits from my batting (when compared to bowling). Didn’t do anything different for this series, just that the captain gave me a lot of confidence in the dugout. He tells me to play freely and tells me that he is there to protect me. We do a lot of planning during team meetings but sometimes things do go wrong and I just focus on doing my plans properly.”

On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav scored a blistering knock of 112 runs off just 51 balls as he was at his absolute best in the third T20I. SKY scored his third T20I century and he was awarded the Player of the Match. Yuzvendra Chahal, who took two wickets in the final game, feels he is lucky that he plays in the same team as SKY.

Chahal said after the third game, “After the first match, I had a discussion with the coaches – on what pace and line to be bowling. (On Suryakumar Yadav) He’s batting at a different level and I’m happy that I’m in the same team as him. Axar is a perfect package. It’s tough to bowl to him as well as he’s a clean hitter.”

India was able to clinch the series by 2-1 and a lot of credit goes to Axar Patel and Suryakumar Yadav for their outstanding performances.

The first ODI between these two teams will be played at Guwahati on Tuesday.