Perth, Oct 17 (UNI) India allrounder Axar Patel today said the ongoing ODI series against Australia presents an ideal blend of youth and experience, which he believes will aid in the development of new captain Shubman Gill while maintaining team balance.
“This is a great experience for Shubman too. Rohit bhai and Virat bhai and everyone is here, this is part of the transition process,” Axar said ahead of the opening ODI at Perth on October 19.
He stressed the importance of having senior players guide the younger ones in a period of transition, adding, “You have older players, and if the young players come with their experience, then they can learn from the seniors and understand how to play at this level, what they can do and what they can’t do.”
Praising the team’s combination, Axar said, “It’s perfect that Rohit bhai and Virat bhai are here and Shubman is doing the captaincy. It will help in Shubman’s growth as a captain. It’s good if young and experienced play together.”
The allrounder also expressed confidence in the preparation of the senior batsmen returning to the fold.
“If you look at their form, the way the two of them have prepared — they trained at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and also played practice games — I think they are ready performance-wise,” he said.
“They look in good touch in the training sessions. And if you talk about their physical fitness, of course everyone has passed their fitness tests, I think they are ready to go,” he added.
Speaking about his own form, Axar said he was upbeat about contributing to India’s success.
“I am very confident about this series. In the Asia Cup, I did well with bat and ball. I am ready for the challenge,” he stated.
Reflecting on his journey with the Indian team, he said, “If you look at my growth — I came here in 2015 for the first time during the World Cup — I have been with the Indian team regularly in recent years. I know what I have to do. The team relies on me now — ‘it’s Axar, he can get us the results’. If you perform continuously, you get the confidence too.”
“I am more confident now and I know and I can do my bit to win games for my team,” Axar concluded.
