Contrary to perceptions, India and Delhi Capitals left-arm spinner Axar Patel said, it is not that easy to bowl on surfaces in UAE. Axar, who has been bowling magnificently for DC in this year’s edition of the IPL, feels it has been “important” for him to quickly identify the right lines and lengths to bowl in the Middle East.
With his skiddy nature and lower, flattish trajectory, the Gujarat left-armer has troubled many batters on dry surfaces in both the Indian and the UAE leg of IPL 2021. He has now taken 14 wickets from his nine outings for DC this year in IPL with a fantastic economy rate of just 6.05.
Be it the powerplay or the middle-overs, Axar has shown he can shine whenever and wherever DC require him. He has been integral to another of their great seasons in the IPL.
On Monday as well, the 27-year-old was in his element, taking 2/18 off his 4 overs. Axar allowed DC to restrict Chennai Super Kings to a score of 136/5, which they later chased down with three wickets in hand. Awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his impactful spell, Axar talked about bowling on tracks in the UAE.
“It is difficult, but important to assess the lines and the speeds at which we needed to be bowling on this pitch,”
Axar said at the post-match presentation ceremony, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Given that CSK managed to stretch the DC batting unit till the last over and took seven wickets before they could reach home, Axar recognised the all-round display from his team in the first half was important. He said CSK were “five or ten runs short in the powerplay”, which may have ultimately come back to haunt them on what wasn’t the easiest track to bat.
In the second half, Axar stitched together a crucial 36-run stand with Shimron Hetmyer which steered his team near the winning post. The batter made just five runs himself but by holding up an end when Hetmyer could’ve run out of partners, he ensured DC remained on course for a victory.
