Axar Patel, who claimed 2 for 38 in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, has seen a significant rise in his value over the past year. His crucial performances, including a pivotal role in the T20 World Cup victory, have been instrumental in his development. In the first T20I in Kandy, Patel's final over was decisive, as he dismissed set batters Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera, triggering a collapse that saw Sri Lanka fall from 140 for 1 to 170 all out.
Reflecting on his journey, Axar highlighted the importance of learning from high-pressure situations. "Playing in pressure situations for India has boosted my confidence. You don't always succeed, but each experience is a learning opportunity," Axar shared. "When I perform well, my confidence grows, and I focus more on my strengths, which has been beneficial."
Sri Lanka seemed poised for a strong finish, racing to 140 for 1 in their chase of 214. However, Axar believed that India was always just one wicket away from causing a collapse, which eventually occurred as Sri Lanka lost their last nine wickets for only 30 runs. He noted that the conditions at night, with increased moisture and colder weather, made it harder for batters to handle the older ball.
Axar also discussed the team's dynamics under new leadership, with Gautam Gambhir as head coach and Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain. He praised Suryakumar for being a "bowlers' captain," providing confidence and autonomy to bowlers, even when they face setbacks. The team, he assured, would continue to play with the same approach despite changes in leadership.