Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim heaped Axar Patel with admiration after Patel’s remarkable performance in India’s six-wicket victory against England in the first ODI at Edgbaston on Tuesday, July 14. Karim believes Axar regained his form and excelled when the team most needed him following a dismal T20I series.
Axar, who first bowled England out for 258 with statistics of 4/62 in 9.5 overs and then remained undefeated on 57 off 52 balls throughout the chase, was crucial to India’s triumph. His century combination with Washington Sundar helped India win easily and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Saba Karim was questioned over the uninterrupted fifth-wicket partnership between Washington Sundar and Axar Patel, which enabled India to win the chase.
While praising Sundar for consistently contributing when given the chance, the former India player claimed that Axar’s knock came at a crucial time as he failed to make a comparable impact in the T20Is against England.
“Axar Patel rediscovered his form,” he remarked. Washington Sundar has demonstrated his abilities in numerous ways. When given the opportunity, he has contributed in his own unique way. But for Axar Patel, this blow has arrived at the ideal moment. He stated on JioHotstar, “He wasn’t playing like this in T20s.”
“It was expected that he would perform, and when the right time came today (Tuesday), when the pressure mounted on him, he scored runs,” said Saba Karim, who also praised Axar’s batting strategy, emphasising how the left-hander changed tactics after settling at the crease after absorbing the pressure early in his innings.
The manner he displayed hostility was also appealing to me. He absorbed some of the load. After taking his time for the first ten balls, he became more confident after hitting two big smashes in a spinner’s over, according to Saba Karim.
“This happens many times for an all-rounder,” Saba Karim continued, adding that Axar’s success with the ball earlier in the game likely gave him more confidence when batting and pushed the all-rounder to take on more responsibilities on a regular basis. When you bowl well, it helps you when you bat.
Axar Patel’s batting today demonstrated that. Since he now has that experience, we anticipate seeing this maturity consistently. It will be extremely challenging to attain such performances till Axar Patel assumes such responsibility. Thus, Axar Patel’s experience and maturity finally paid off today,” he remarked.
Five boundaries and a six were part of Axar’s undefeated fifty-seven. Additionally, he and Washington Sundar, who was undefeated on 52 off 63 deliveries, built up an unbroken 102-run partnership for the fifth wicket after India found themselves at 160/4 in pursuit of 259.
