NEW DELHI: India's all-rounder, Axar Patel, emphasised the need for the Men in Blue to "move on" from the disappointment of the World Cup final defeat against Australia. Ahead of the first match of the T20I series against Australia, Axar, who missed the ODI World Cup due to injury, expressed his eagerness to contribute to the team.
Axar, now back in the side for the five-match T20I series, acknowledged the heartbreak of the World Cup final but emphasised the young team's determination to prove their worth. He highlighted the energy within the squad and the opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their talents.
"Everyone knows that we suffered a heartbreak in the World Cup final. But it's time to move on. We have a young team that will play Australia in the T20Is. All of us are keen to prove that we belong here," said Axar in an interview with JioCinema.
"There's a lot of energy in the team. It's just that we have only 10-11 T20 international matches to go before the T20 World Cup to make an impression. So, all of us have been told to play according to our strengths. There's no need for us to do something brand new. We have been told to express ourselves and move ahead. We have five matches against Australia and all of us know that they are a good side. We are not going to put ourselves under undue pressure. We will try and enjoy the games we play," Axar said.
Regarding his own mindset after returning from injury, Axar stated that he is focusing on the processes and not making significant changes to his game.
1/10:India vs Australia T20Is - Trivia and stats
AP
2/10:H2H: India lead 15-10
<p>India enjoy a winning % of 60.00 as against 40.00 by Australia, winning fifteen and losing ten out of 26 played (NR 1).</p>AFP
3/10:India's lowest T20I total
<p>India got dismissed for 74 off 17.3 overs at Melbourne on February 1, 2008 - the lowest total on either side in T20Is involving India and Australia. India's total of 74 remains their lowest against any opponent in T20Is.<br /></p>TNN
4/10:Virat Kohli's record vs Australia
<p>Virat Kohli has scored 794 runs at an average of 52.93, including eight fifties, in 21 innings at a strike rate of 143.84 - the most by any batsman against Australia in T20Is.</p>AFP
5/10:Aaron Finch vs India
<p>Aaron Finch has totalled 500 runs at an average of 27.77, including two fifties, in 18 innings - the most by an Australian batsman against India in T20Is.</p>Agencies
6/10:Jasprit Bumrah's record vs Australia
<p>Jaspreet Bumrah, with 16 wickets at 23.43 runs apiece in thirteen matches, is the top wicket-taker on either side in India-Australia T20Is.</p>Getty Images
7/10:Adam Zampa vs India
<p>Adam Zampa, with 12 wickets at 24.83 runs apiece in fourteen matches, is the top wicket-taker for Australia vs India.</p>Getty Images
8/10:MS Dhoni's record vs Australia
<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni has affected 15 dismissals (10 catches plus five stumpings) in 17 innings - the most by a wicketkeeper against Australia.<br /></p>TNN
9/10:Virat Kohli
<p>Virat Kohli has taken 10 catches in 22 matches - a record by a fielder in T20Is involving India and Australia.</p>PTI
10/10:Maxwell's 28 sixes vs India
<p>Maxwell's tally of sixes (28 in eighteen innings) is a record in T20Is involving India and Australia. Kohli's tally of 26 sixes in 21 innings remains an Indian record vs Australia. </p>Getty Images"The mindset remains the same as what it was before I had to miss the World Cup due to injury. But I am fit again and am keen on doing well in all departments of the game. I have not made any changes and am focussing on the processes. I don't want to make much changes to my mindset. I am not looking at this series from the view that I am among the senior players in the team now. I just want to continue doing what I was before the injury," Axar added.
As India gear up for the T20I series against Australia, Axar Patel's perspective underscores the team's collective determination to bounce back and set a positive tone for the upcoming challenges.
(With inputs from ANI)
