New Delhi: India all-rounder Axar Patel, who admitted that he tried to over-hit the ball during the disastrous T20I series against England, said a change in mindset and greater confidence in timing helped him deliver a match-winning all-round performance in the first ODI at Edgbaston.Ahal, who was named Man of the Match, performed well with both bat and ball as India bounced back from a 0-4 defeat in the T20I series to register a six-wicket victory in the first ODI. The left-arm spinner took figures of 4/62 in 9.5 overs before scoring 57 runs in 52 balls to lead India to a successful chase of 259 with 28 balls remaining. team leader Shubman Gill (Retired due to injury at 80) and Washington Sundar (52 not out) also made valuable contributions as India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Akhar explains T20I woes
Looking back at his poor results in T20Is, in which he scored just 19 runs in four innings, Ahal said he has realized that he is sacrificing technique for power.“It’s very important for me to achieve a performance like this. As for my mindset, I need to persevere. I have to stay focused and not think it will happen on its own. I have to be confident and execute my plan,” Ahal told JioStar.“I felt I hit the ball too hard during the T20Is,” he said.The 32-year-old explained that batting in the death overs during the T20 series forced him to take high-risk shots, affecting his balance at the crease.“When you bat in the death overs, you don’t have any other option but to go for big shots, but my form was down a bit. So, when I batted in this match, after we got off to a good start, I just wanted to build a partnership,” he explained.
Timing over power pays dividends
Ahal said Edgbaston’s slower surface required patience, prompting him to trust his timing rather than force the shot.“I didn’t try to hit the ball hard because I knew I had the time and the ability to hit the ball. I focused on my timing,” he said.He added that the situation makes life difficult for new batsmen, with bounce, swing and seam movement rewarding those willing to spend time at the crease before attacking.Akha also praised the return of senior stars Rohit Sharma, Virat KohliJasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul said their presence brought calmness and confidence to the dressing room.
Do you prefer watching T20 matches or ODIs?
Over 3,000 users shared their opinions today
Over 5,000 users have voted today
Over 3,000 users shared their opinions today
“We have been playing together for a long time. Everyone knows their role and is united and you can see that on the pitch. It creates a very relaxed atmosphere,” he said.India will look to seal victory in the three-match ODI series against England in the second match in Cardiff on Thursday.
