Tennis ball cricket, IPL: Axar Patel reveals reason behind success in T20 WC

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel revealed the reason behind his success in the T20 World Cup. Patel gave credit to tennis ball cricket and the Indian Premier League. The left-arm orthodox spinner scalped nine wickets in eight matches of the T20 World Cup 2024 and played an instrumental role in taking India to glory.

Meanwhile, India lost three quick wickets in the final against South Africa and found themselves tottering at 34-3. However, Patel played an attacking knock of 31-ball 47 to give a much-needed impetus to India’s innings. As Kohli had to adopt a sedate approach, Patel kept finding the regular boundaries.

“Playing tennis ball cricket had an impact on my hitting ability because, in that format, you can hit almost every ball for a six or a four, especially in short 10-12 over games. It also influenced my shot selection. Initially, I would predominantly hit the ball to the leg side. However, when I transitioned to season ball cricket, I realised the importance of playing with the swing and not just slogging every ball. I worked on expanding my hitting areas, focusing on playing straight and avoiding cross-batted shots,” Axar said while talking to Cricbuzz.

“Tennis ball cricket also taught me how to handle pressure. Growing up, I often found myself in pressure situations, which made me more stable and stronger mentally. I learned to stay calm and think positively, which has been invaluable in my career,” he further added.

Meanwhile, Patel was sent up the order against Pakistan in the group stage and he admitted he felt a bit nervous but his IPL experience came good. Patel scored a crucial knock of 18-ball 20 against the arch-rivals while batting at number four.

“Against Pakistan I was sent up the order. Before the match, I was told that I may have to bat early if there are early wickets. At that time I was nervous. In the nets, I did not practise with the new ball and suddenly I was having to play in PowerPlay. My IPL experience came in handy and it made me feel positive. For Delhi Capitals, I batted a few times in the PowerPlay overs and played a few crucial knocks too,” Axar said.

“That helped me understand what to do in those situations. I had to be positive and not worry about who would be bowling to me. I was not trying to over think. And I knew that I had the game to play according to the situation. I just wanted to stay in the present. That worked for me against Pakistan,” he concluded on the matter.

Patel is part of both T20I as well as ODI squad against Sri Lanka.