Kanpur, Nov 27 (UNI) India left-arm spinner Axar Patel on Saturday justified that he isn't a white-ball specialist, having picked up a fifth fifer in just seven Test innings. He sent out a message that he is an expert in all formats of the game.
The Gujarat-born returned with five wickets and conceded 62 runs in the first Test match against New Zealand here at Green Park in Kanpur. His effort helped India bundle out the Black Caps, giving the hosts an upper hand in the game.
"Obviously, I give credit to team members for having faith in me and I have been able to stand up to their expectations. It's all in mind-set as to what you perceive yourself as – a white ball specialist or red ball specialist," the 27-year-old said in a virtual press conference.
"I always had the belief that whenever I get a chance I will do well. Whenever I have played first-class or India A, I have done well. I have never seen myself as a white ball specialist."
Patel stressed that whenever he steps on to the ground, he tries to enjoy the game instead of thinking about the senior spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the line-up. He added that his focus is on bowling and what is required from him by the team.
"I don’t think about whether my role is a lead one or whether there are senior bowlers around me, I only think about my bowling and what is required to be done in that particular spell.
"Whenever I go to the ground, I try and enjoy and not think about whether Ashwin bhai and Jaddu are there. When I have ball in my hand, I just try and see to it that I am enjoying my bowling, trying to read the wicket and understand what’s happening, how it's behaving and plan accordingly," he said.
Patel got rid of the set batter Tom Latham, who was five shy of his century. Following the dismissal of New Zealand's top scorer, the visiting side folded for 296.
When asked what change he brought in his bowling on Day 3 as compared to Day 2, Patel said, "I was using the crease by going wide and coming near the stumps, creating various angles, and that helped me get a lot of purchase."
India returned to bat in the second innings and added 14 runs for the loss of one wicket, taking the lead to 63 runs on Day 3 at stumps. A good length ball by Kyle Jamieson went between the bat and pad to clean up opener Shubman Gill.
Patel adviced the India batters to play the ball on its merit, keep patience and put the bad balls away in order to dominate New Zealand bowlers.
"Our batters were present at the ground and they also have a fair idea. We were discussing that cracks haven't opened much and only the odd ball is doing a bit, if you play the ball on its merit, there won't be much trouble.
"If they start bowling a disciplined line and keep patience then only our batters can face some trouble. I will advise our batters to keep patience and put the bad balls away," he said.
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