Axar Patel bowled an impressive spell (4/21), including a hat-trick, that earned Kings XI Punjab their second win of the season. An elated Axar spoke to IPLT20.com about the team’s morale-boosting win and his milestone. Excerpts:
You’ve taken the first hat-trick this season. Was this your best spell?
This has been my best bowling performance. I was just trying to do what I did in IPL-7. I was focusing on bowling in the right areas as that is something that had worked for me earlier. I had never taken a hat-trick in my career before, so it feels really special that I got the milestone at this level. The fact that we won the game and my efforts have resulted in a win makes it even more special.
Before the ninth season commenced what particular aspects of your bowling did you work upon?
Before the IPL, I was working on my flight. I worked on bowling slower through the air, so when a batsman comes down the track, I can bowl outside the off stump and beat him in flight. Generally, batsmen stay rooted to the crease and play the cut shot off my bowling. So, this is the variation I have worked on and wanted to get it right.
You did not bowl at a stretch. How difficult is it for a bowler to keep coming back for very short spells?
In T20s, a bowler at max, can get three straight overs. We have been practicing for this. It is tough to predict when you would be required to bowl and you need to stay focused as the captain can throw the ball at you anytime. There is always a plan that you would be bowling certain overs, but on the field it may vary.
There is a stiff competition for the slot of left-arm spinner in the Indian team. What targets are you looking to achieve by the end of this season?
Firstly, it would be really nice if we can win the IPL trophy and hand it over to our owner and coaches. It is every cricketer’s goal in the IPL to win a trophy for their owner and the franchise. Now that I have bowled well, I will look to carry this confidence forward. If you feel confident about your game and your bowling, it opens more doors for you and ultimately you can win your place back.
