Axar Patel has been one of India's rising talents with both bat and the ball. The Southpaw was a star in India's recent Test series against Australia, where he showed his worth with the bat. Patel scored 264 runs in the four-match series and was India's second-highest run-scorer during the series. He might not be an automatic pick in the World Test championship final but the left-arm spinning all-rounder has stated that the players were practicing for the WTC during the IPL 2023.
Patel has stated that the players knew about the Dukes ball challenge and were being prepared for it in training during IPL. "We knew about this before the start of the IPL. So even during the IPL, it was discussed that we will bowl with the red ball," Axar told ICC.
"We had red balls, so we were using them. You know when and how to play, how much time you have. This mental switch from white ball to red ball is obviously tough, but we have enough time," he added.
The all-rounder also stated that it is crucial to pitch the ball in the right areas. "We switch from white ball to red ball. It is a similar switch to go from SG to Dukes, you have to use your talent and skill. You have to execute your plan, your bowling rhythm. Irrespective of the ball, if you bowl a good ball at a good spot, it works," he said.
"So, that's what we're doing. Since the match is in England, which is different from India, we are planning what lines and lengths will work here. The same thing in practice, we are good to go," Patel added.
