Pallekal. Suryakumar Yadav is the captain of the bowlers because he gives them the freedom to follow their strategy. All-rounder Akshar Patel, who made a comeback for India by taking two wickets in one over against Sri Lanka, said this. He also said that in the current series against Sri Lanka, the Indian team will try to try maximum combinations in batting.
Led by newly appointed captain Suryakumar Yadav, India defeated Sri Lanka by 43 runs in the first T20 match. Akshar Patel said after the match, ‘I played with Surya bhai (captain) in the last series against Australia. I knew that he is the captain of the bowlers. He gives you complete freedom to implement your strategy.’
He said, ‘Whenever a shot is hit on your ball, he comes to you and says that it was a good ball. He keeps advising you. I have a good relationship with him as a player.’ Akshar also played under the captaincy of Suryakumar in the 5-match T20 series against Australia last year. India won this series 4-1. He said, ‘I also played under his captaincy in the 5-match series against Australia and so when I was playing today, I did not feel much difference. He always keeps encouraging the bowlers.’
India sent Rishabh Pant to bat at number three in the T20 World Cup but in the first match against Sri Lanka, he came to bat at number four after Suryakumar. Akshar said that the batting order was prepared in such a way that the team could make maximum use of the combination of right-handed and left-handed batsmen.
He said, ‘Our team has four left-handed and four right-handed batsmen. If there is a combination of left and right-handed batsmen on the crease, then it becomes difficult for the bowlers to maintain their line and length.’ Akshar said, ‘If you have options, then why not use them. You can also change the batting order based on the bowling options of the opposing team.’
Akshar Patel said that there will not be much change with the arrival of the new coaching staff under the leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir. He said, ‘I have been playing for 10 years. I have played under different coaches and captains. I don’t think there will be much change in the team.’
Tags: Axar Patel, India vs Sri Lanka, Surya Kumar Yadav
FIRST PUBLISHED : July 28, 2024, 14:15 IST