Axar Patel shares Gautam Gambhir’s advice on embracing change post the Dravid-Rohit era
India all-rounder Axar Patel expresses that new T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav is a captain favored by bowlers who grants them the liberty to carry out their strategies. The spin all-rounder also mentioned that the squad will aim to optimize its batting combinations in the current series against Sri Lanka. Suryakumar and India initiated the three-match series with a triumph against Sri Lanka on Saturday, overpowering the hosts by 43 runs in a high-scoring opening T20I.
“I participated in the previous Australia series with Surya bhai (as captain). I am aware that he is a bowlers’ captain. He offers you autonomy to make decisions,” Axar stated during the post-match media briefing on Saturday.
“In situations where you are hit, he approaches and commends you for delivering a good ball. He continues to provide insights. As a player, there exists a strong connection with him.” Axar recollected the encounter of playing under Suryakumar in the five-match T20I series against Australia in India towards the end of last year, which the hosts dominated with a 4-1 victory.
“As a skipper, I have also teamed up with him in the preceding five matches (against Australia) and while I was competing today, I did not sense a significant change,” he remarked.
“During the initial three overs when we were conceding runs, he was advising me on potential strategies and how we could secure a wicket. It is not a concern if a boundary or six is scored. As a bowler, you derive confidence from knowing that the captain supports you and believes in your abilities.”
Axar mentioned that India’s batting order in the opening T20I, excluding Rishabh Pant from the top position, was crafted with the objective of maximizing the team’s left and right-hand choices.
“In the preceding assignment, the T20 World Cup which India clinched, Pant batted at No 3 whereas on Saturday skipper Suryakumar stepped out at the coveted spot and the wicketkeeper-batter descended to No 4.”
“Our team comprises four left-handed and four right-handed players. If there is a combination of left and right-handers in the middle, it becomes challenging for bowlers to consistently maintain line and length, particularly with singles being rotated.”
“Now, if there are four left-handers, how can you leverage them? If you have the opportunity to avoid having two left-handers or two right-handers simultaneously in the middle.”
“If such an opportunity arises, and you possess those players in the batting lineup, why not utilize them? It is also necessary to adapt the batting order according to the bowling options presented by the opposition,” he added.
The spinner conveyed that the message from India’s new coaching staff led by head coach Gautam Gambhir is that the team will not undergo a significant transformation in its operational approach.
While fielding coach T Dilip has retained his position, Abhishek Nayar, Sairaj Bahutule, and Dutchman Ryan ten Doeschate are now part of Gambhir’s supporting team for this Sri Lanka tour, with definitive roles to be determined post-tour.
“I have been competing for a decade. I have encountered various coaches and captains. I do not anticipate a substantial shift in the team,” he articulated.
“While deliberating in the team meeting, they also reiterated that the coach and captain may vary, but the team remains constant, and the 11 or 15 players who persist must deliver,” he mentioned.
“They have assured us that we will continue to perform in the same manner. Naturally, the coach and his guidance may differ. The thought process may vary, they may provide suggestions here and there. However, the team’s ambiance remains relatively unchanged,” he concluded.