Axar Patel on the mindset that’s changed his batting fortunes: “If I get set, I have to finish games”

Team India all-rounder Axar Patel has said that a mindset change has led to a significant improvement in his batting performances in the last few months. He candidly admitted that earlier he was satisfied scoring 30s and 40s but is now keen on finishing games.

The left-hander was India’s top-scorer on Day 2 of the second Test against Australia in Delhi on Saturday (February 18). Axar struck 74 off 115 and added 114 for the eighth wicket with Ravichandran Ashwin (37) to help India recover from a precarious 139-7.

The 29-year-old also contributed 84 in the first Test in Nagpur to help India overcome the loss of early wickets. At a press conference following the second day’s play in Delhi, Axar was asked about theamazing transformation in his batting. He explained:

"When I was with Delhi Capitals, I spoke to coach Ricky Ponting. Even in the Indian team, I had a chat with players about getting out in the 30 and 40s. I was not able to finish games. I discovered that the mindset was the big difference."

He continued:

“Sometimes, as an all-rounder, you claim a couple of wickets and then get casual. Over the last half year, I have been going in with the mindset that if I get set, I have to finish games. That’s been the difference I feel.”

While on the topic of his batting, Axar said that he wants to maximise his form with the willow, as his confidence is high. The all-rounder elaborated:

“Confidence matters a lot. I was playing white-ball cricket and was in good touch in the first match as well. I am carrying forward that confidence. It’s important to score big when you're in form, and that’s my aim as well: to remain consistent.”

Thanks to Axar, India ended up conceding only a slender one-run lead to Australia in the first innings.

---

“I had to take a chance” - Axar Patel on missing out on Test hundred again

While Axar was dismissed for 74 on Saturday, he had fallen short of three figures in the first Test in Nagpur as well, where he was out for 84.

The left-hander admitted to being slightly disappointed at missing out again. However, he pointed out that he had to take some risks, explaining:

“Obviously that’s on your mind (hundred) when he you get out after being well set. But (Mohammed) Siraj and (Mohammed) Shami were the batters left, and the new ball was taken, so I had to take a chance. In the last game, I got to 84, so this time I thought I’ll take my chance early, so that I could get close.”

After India were bowled out for 262, Australia reached stumps on Day 2 at 61-1 in their second innings.