After waiting on the sidelines for a prolonged period of time, India’s left-handed all-rounder Axar Patel has made an instantaneous impact in the Test arena, recently claiming his fifth five-fer in the format in the first Test match against New Zealand, which is currently in progress.
The left-armer bowled a disciplined spell of spin bowling as he helped India establish a crucial 49-run first-innings lead against the Black Caps, finishing with figures of 5/62.
Patel could not have asked for a better start to his Test career, as he also did exceedingly well in the Test series against England earlier this year, picking up an astounding 27 wickets in just three games. Always thought to be restricted to the shorter formats of the game with respect to his ability, Axar’s Test game has shocked quite a few people.
While taking questions from the media in the press conference post his five-wicket haul, the 27-year-old stated that he had always believed in his abilities as an all-format player, and was waiting for an opportunity to represent India in the longer format as well.
Quashing the assumptions that his game is restricted to the shorter formats, he stated,
“I don’t know who said I am a white-ball player. Whenever I have played first-class cricket or for India A, I have performed well. I never thought that I was a white-ball player.”
“It’s all about the mindset, whether you think of yourself as a white-ball or red-ball cricketer. For me, I was waiting for an opportunity to perform (in Test cricket). And when I got a chance during the England series, I did well. I would give credit to the team for placing faith in me and giving me a chance.”
With India already boasting two of the best spin-bowling all-rounders in the Test circuit, questions were raised as to Axar’s continued involvement in the side, with some claiming that he would only play when India fields three spinners, since Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja play almost every single game.
This is not entirely false, however, Axar had something to say about the matter.
“As you said, this is my fifth five-for in seven innings. I just enjoy myself whenever I am on the ground. I am not thinking on the lines of there is Ashwin Bhai and Jaddu Bhai,”
