T20 World Cup 2022: Axar Patel reveals India's batting lineup strategy against Pakistan

Axar Patel [Source: Associated Press]

During the once in a lifetime, thrilling contest between India and Pakistan, the Men in Blue had to chase an incredibly close match. During the second innings, spontaneous changes were made in the Indian batting lineup. Axar Patel was sent up the order at number 5 as a floater before Dinesh Karthik. The all-rounder has revealed the reason behind the decision. 

The Indian management had asked Patel to be mentally-prepared to bat at number 6 whenever it was required. The top order, in the absence of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja is missing a left and right hand combination. 

Axar reveals India's strategy 

"They (Pakistan) had left-arm spinner Nawaz and leg-spinner Shadab so it was important to send a left-hander and I was asked to go." 

"Since our top six are right-handers, I have been told by management that if need be I will be promoted in the middle overs and I should be ready for that. That role is already assigned and I have performed in practice games."

Axar on how he and Ashwin bottled up Pakistan's batting lineup 

"The pitch was a bit dry and the ball was stopping and coming. The ball wasn't exactly gripping so I was told to hit the deck hard as it was difficult to hit through the line. So that was the plan. The main difference between India and Australian wickets is bounce. In India, a batter can't easily rock on the backfoot and negotiate the low bounce."

India is all set to face South Africa in their next match of the Super 12 stage. So far the Men in Blue have played two matches in the tournament, one against Pakistan and the other against Netherlands and won both of them. 

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