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IND vs NZ | Axar calls this his dream year, bats for three spinners formula in home Tests

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Axar Patel, who has so far picked up nine wickets in the ongoing two-match Test series against New Zealand believes that 2021 has been his dream year. The 27-year-old who made his Test debut against England early this year believes that he is now picking form with the bat too and hence with all three spinners being proper batters, India can continue with the three spinners formula in the home Tests in future too. 

“Actually, this has been my dream year you can say. The way I bowled in England series and now how the New Zealand series panned out, in between, there was IPL as well, so I can say that this has really been a good year for me personally,” said the left-arm spinner at the end of the daily press conference at Mumbai. In five Tests so far, the Gujarat born bowling all-rounder has picked up 36 wickets.

Talking about his goals, “My endeavour is to keep improving and look at areas where I need to get better. All the hard work that I have put in all these years have finally yielded results this year.”

Axar who scored his maiden Test fifty in this match and who has contributed really well with the bat in this game particularly, having scored 52 and 41 in two innings, said that the team can now freely think of playing three spinners as he is able to grab his chances with the bat. 

“The batting coach (Vicky Rathour) and team management have faith in my batting abilities, and they have always told me that ‘you can do it’. Earlier, when I got chances, I couldn't convert my starts but this time when I got chances, I was able to convert.

“My batting is benefitting my team and if you see that myself, Jaddu and Ash bhai play as all-rounders, it releases a bit of pressure on our batters, so it's a good sign. As long as I keep contributing it’s good for both me and my team,” he stated.

With New Zealand at 140-5, while chasing 540, India have their tail up and will try and finish the game as early as possible on day four.

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