We always knew we were one wicket away from causing a collapse: Axar Patel

On a good batting surface in Pallekele on July 27 (Saturday), the Indian batters did well to post a total of 213 runs, but Sri Lankan openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis threatened to take the game away from the away side. An opening partnership of 84 runs in under nine overs caused havoc among Indian bowlers, but Arshdeep Singh provided a breakthrough to give some solace.

However, after Nissanka’s dismissal, the floodgates really opened—and the home side were bundled out for 170. Speaking about the collapse, Indian all-rounder Axar Patel stated that they never thought Sri Lanka were ahead in the game.

“When we were batting, we knew that the wicket was good. And when we were bowling, the wicket got better and better [for bowling] because of the nighttime moisture and coolness. We knew we had a good score on board. We never thought they were ahead,” Axar Patel said in the post-match press conference.

“They were going at 10 runs per over. But we all knew that the game was on as we knew it was not easy to hit the old ball. That was our idea. We always knew we were one wicket away from [causing] a collapse,” said Axar. 

This was Gautam Gambhir’s first official act as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, with Suryakumar Yadav taking over as the captain of the T20 side. Has that changed the way the team play? Patel doesn’t believe so.

“I don’t think a lot has changed now. We keep saying in team meetings that new captains and coaches always come in, but the team is always here. There are at least 12-13 consistent players and it is they who have to get the job done. 

“We have been told to keep playing the way we play. Obviously, there has been a change in thinking and input from the coach. But the team atmosphere hasn’t changed much,” the Gujarat all-rounder added.

With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill opening for India and three more right-handers and as many left-handers to follow in the side, India managed to keep a left-right combination throughout. When asked about this, Patel stated that the strategy was to keep floating and not let the bowlers settle down.

“The strategy is to maintain a left-right pair. We all know how difficult it is to bowl to such a combination. We have four lefties and four righties. When we have an option to avoid two left-handers or two right-handers batting together, why not do it? We also try to factor in the kind of bowlers the opponents have to decide the batting order,” said Axar. 

India and Sri Lanka will play the second T20I at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on July 28 (Sunday).

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