‘Tried to hit too hard in T20Is, timing is the focus in ODIs’ Axar Patel

Allrounder Axar Patel said his measured halfcentury in Indias matchwinning chase against England in the opening ODI here was a result of his renewed focus on timing after trying to hit too hard during a barren T20 run against the same oppositionAxar displayed allround brilliance snaring four wickets in his 95 overs before striking a 52ball 57 that was laced with five fours and a maximum India won the match by four wickets and 28 balls to spare with a nicely paced chase of 259 in which skipper Shubman Gill 80 and Washington Sundar 52 also played a crucial roleIt was very important for me to deliver this kind of performance As for my mindset I needed to keep at it I had to stay focused rather than thinking it would just happen on its own I had to have selfbelief and execute my plans I feel like I was trying to hit the ball too hard during the T20Is Axar who was adjudged player of the match told JioStarWhen you go in to bat in the death overs you dont have any other option but to go for big shots but I was losing my shape a little So when I went in to bat in this game obviously after we got a great start I just wanted to build a partnership he said explaining the tweaks he made Axar scored a total of 19 runs in the T20 series that India lost 04 last weekThe 32yearold said on Tuesday his focus was on timing the ball I wasnt trying to hit the ball too hard because I knew I had time and could afford to take a few balls as well I was focusing on my timing On this kind of wicket it is very important to trust the bounce Once you start reading it well I think you can score runs he saidTalking about the Edgbaston wicket Axar said it was not conducive for strokeplay at the very outset and batters in both the teams needed time to settle down whoever was new to the crease found it very difficult to come in and start hitting straight awayEven for them it became easier for Joe Root and Liam Dawson once the partnership was set So I think spending some time at the crease after coming in to bat was very important On such wickets you cannot come in and play shots on the rise immediately because there was bounce and it was swinging and seaming as well You have to give yourself that little bit of time and after that you could play your shots he saidSeniors return helpedAsked how the return of senior players Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul helped the side Axar said their presence brings with it a sense of calm which ends up reflecting in the performance as well Obviously we have been playing alongside each other for a long time Over time you form a strong camaraderie and that brings a sense of confidence because we have won a lot of matches together and weve lost a few as wellBut that confidence is there because everyone knows their roles and what they need to do There is unity the team gels well together and you can see that on the field too with the banter and fun everyone was having It creates a very relaxed atmosphere he said India and England will play the second match of the series on Thursday in CardiffThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever