The opening batsman is the only player whose place is confirmed in the Indian T20 line-up and the batting order that follows will be made up of “a lot of floaters”, new vice-captain Axar Patel said on Monday ahead of the five-match series against England. Said while explaining the team's strategy.
India will begin their campaign in a five-match T20 series against England at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
Asked about being a floater in the batting order, the all-rounder replied: “…It's not just about me; This applies to everyone in the team.
“Right from the start of 2024, we had decided to have a fixed opening slot, and from No. 3 to No. 7, everyone has been asked to be flexible depending on the situation, combinations and match-ups.”
Axar, who is now part of the team management for the series, spoke in a manner that was reminiscent of Rohit Sharma's conversation ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he talked about flexibility in the middle-order.
“There is no fixed position where a particular batsman will always play…It is the same for everyone in that category (between Nos. 3 to 7), it depends on who is having a good day, which we know during the practice sessions. Let's assess during.
“In T20 cricket, it is about using the right batsman in the right position.”
Not much has changed for Akshar as Suryakumar Yadav's deputy, except that he will now be a part of some tough decisions taken by the team management.
“It's only been a day. Yes, we (captain Surya, head coach Gautam Gambhir and I) have discussed. There is additional responsibility on the leadership group. There is not much change. Obviously, we have a stable T20 team, there is not much pressure.”
“When you come into the leadership group, obviously you have to take some tough decisions. We have talked about them also. It's about having an honest opinion and trusting each other.”
This is the national team's first match after the Test defeat in Australia and the all-rounder does not want to worry about the past.
He said, “We also talk that, what has happened is done, it is not going to come back.” Axar also welcomed the return of veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami to the national team for the first time since the ODI World Cup final on November 19, 2023. Shami was struggling with knee problems after recovering from ankle surgery. Referring to Shami's recent return to the domestic circuit, he said, “This is a very positive thing for the team.
“The last time he (Shami) played was in the ODI World Cup final and since his recovery, he has performed well in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare tournaments.” “Whenever a senior player makes a comeback, it gives a huge boost to the team. We all know what wonders Shami bhai does, be it with the new ball or in the death overs.
“His presence, especially with the new ball, is a huge advantage for the team. Hopefully he continues the form he showed in the World Cup.”
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