Indian all-rounder Axar Patel feels they can’t think about the T20 World Cup now. India will play their opening match of the T20 World Cup against Ireland whereas they are currently taking on Afghanistan in three-match T20I series, which is their last T20I series before the all-important T20I showpiece.

The Rohit Sharma-led team won the first T20I by six wickets at the IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Thursday to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Patel was brilliant in his four-over spell, returning with impressive figures of 2-23. The left-arm orthodox spinner accounted for Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah in his fine spell.

“There is competition, but it depends on how you take it. It is important to focus on the process. You can’t think about the T20 World Cup from now since there are five Tests against England, followed by the IPL. So, there’s some time left for the T20 World Cup,” Axar said in the post-match press conference.

The all-rounder added that playing continuously has its own challenges as they have a hectic schedule.

“Playing continuously has its challenges, but we do get breaks. Mindset is the key, and you cannot be too conscious,” he said.

Patel added his plan was to bowl a tight line and he was able to reap rewards for his accurate bowling against Afghanistan.

“There was no help from the pitch, the weather was also very harsh. My aim was to stick to my strength and wait for the batters to go after me. I bowled a tight line and got the wickets as the batters took a chance. As a bowler, you can’t do much on this pitch,” the left-arm spinner commented.

Patel has been accurate with his bowling and more importantly, he has been economical. Thus, he played a key role in restricting Afghanistan to 158.

The second T20I between India and Afghanistan will be played at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Sunday.