Axar Patel Focuses on Team Role as T20I Vice-Captain
India all-rounder Axar Patel shared his thoughts on January 20 about his new role as vice-captain of the T20I team against England. Axar emphasized that he doesn’t feel the need to prove himself to anyone.
In a recent statement, he mentioned that being chosen as the deputy to Suryakumar Yadav was a decision made by the captain and the selectors. Instead of worrying about his position, Axar said he is concentrating on playing well and supporting the team.
Shubman Gill is currently out of the squad, leading to Axar’s appointment. Notably, Hardik Pandya, who was once seen as a potential future captain, is also part of the team. Despite that, Axar is committed to making a difference in the lineup.
Addressing the ongoing transition in the Indian team, Axar said, “Yes, a transition phase is coming, and ultimately, it’s the selectors’ and captain’s call. I don’t feel the need to prove anything to anyone.” He added that his main goal is to continuously improve and perform whenever he gets the chance to play.
Axar’s aspirations extend beyond just the T20 format. He clarified that he does not believe he is entitled to a spot on the team but aims to do his best in every opportunity, whether it be in T20Is, ODIs, or Tests. “My focus is on doing well whenever I get an opportunity,” he explained.
Recently, India captain Rohit Sharma shared that Axar took a personal break for the birth of his child. Despite this, Axar acknowledged that he currently finds himself behind Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the selection order. However, he remains positive and does not pressure himself over his selection status.
“I don’t take the pressure of thinking that I deserve a spot. It is always about the team combination and whether there is any room for me,” Axar concluded, emphasizing his team-oriented mindset.
India’s Squad for T20I Series Against England:
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Rinku Singh
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Axar Patel (vc)
- Harshit Rana
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammad Shami
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Washington Sundar
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
Axar Patel’s commitment to his role indicates a mature approach to the evolving dynamics of the Indian cricket team. His focus on teamwork and personal improvement positions him as a valuable asset for the upcoming matches.
