NEW DELHI: Left-arm spinner Axar Patel is eyeing a spot in the T20 World Cup squad, after being sidelined from the ODI World Cup due to an injury, through a strong performance in the upcoming IPL 2024.
Patel showcased his prowess in the first T20I against Afghanistan by taking two wickets and conceding 23 runs in four overs.
Expressing his perspective in the post-match press conference, Patel stated, "My job is to give 100 percent to my work ethics and the process. I am not worrying too much about what will happen to the World Cup team selection, and if I do that, I will be putting pressure on myself."
The Indian spinner is currently focused on the IPL, with hopes that a standout performance in the tournament will bolster his chances of securing a spot in the T20 World Cup squad scheduled for June.
India has just two more T20Is before the World Cup, and Patel is aware of the intense competition for a place in the national team.
"Yeah, we are going to play the last two T20Is before the World Cup, and then we have the IPL. I know there is a lot of competition out there (for a WC spot in India team), but my competition is to myself, and I just want to focus on adding to my skill sets," he affirmed.
1/10:All-round Dube helps India beat Afghanistan in chilly T20I opener
ANI
2/10:Shivam Dube's unbeaten fifty
All-rounder Shivam Dube (60* off 40 balls) defied bitterly cold weather to hit an unbeaten half-century for India.PTI
3/10:India take 1-0 lead vs Afghanistan
India eased to a comfortable six-wicket win over Afghanistan in the first Twenty20 international.PTI
4/10:India's bowlers restrict Afghanistan
India's bowlers led by spinner Axar Patel restricted Afghanistan to 158/5 despite an attacking 42 by Mohammad Nabi.AFP
5/10:Chilly weather in Mohali
Temperatures plummeted to just nine degrees (48 Fahrenheit) in the northern city of Mohali where summer heat can soar to a scorching 40-plus degrees.ANI
6/10:Positive performance by spinners
"There were a lot of positives, especially with the ball. Wasn't the easiest of conditions but our spinners bowled particularly well," India skipper Rohit Sharma said.AFP
7/10:Key partnerships in India's chase
Shivam Dube steered the chase with key partnerships including a 45-run stand with Jitesh Sharma, who made 31, and an unbeaten 42 with Rinku Singh, 16 not out.PTI
8/10:Man of the Match: Shivam Dube
The 30-year-old Shivam Dube (1/9 & 60*) won the game with a six and four and was named man of the match.ANI
9/10:Afghanistan's batting struggles
Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz put on 50 for the opening wicket before the Indian bowlers hit back with Axar returning figures of 2-23.AP
10/10:Afghanistan's fielding woes
"We were quite lazy with the fielding today," Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran said. "We will try to improve batting as well. Bowling we have no issue. Will focus on what we did wrong today."PTIPatel shared insights into his recovery phase at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he worked on refining his skills. Reflecting on his injury during the World Cup, he noted, "I took it positively and tried to improve my game. I was working during my time at the NCA – things like line and length, slower ball, and such variations."
The 29-year-old expressed delight in seeing the fruits of his labor in the series against Australia and the first T20I against Afghanistan.
"I was trying to mix my deliveries up like slower balls, etc. It worked for me in the series against Australia as well, and I have carried that confidence into this series. I am looking at putting more pressure on the batsmen," said Patel.
As Axar Patel gears up for the IPL, fans and selectors will be keenly watching his performances, anticipating a strong comeback and potential inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad.
(With inputs from PTI)
