“Signed, Sealed and Delivered by Akshar PatelFormer West Indies fast bowler turned commentator Ian Bishop Soon after, couldn’t have chosen a better word letters Took a full toss to the ground from Kyle Meyers – when six were needed from three balls – to seal a thrilling two-wicket win for India in the second ODI against West Indies in Port-of-Spain.
Match-winning effort with the bat from a left-arm spinning all-rounder – 64 not out (35b, 4×4, 5×6) – which came on top of an economical spell with the ball (1-40 in 9 overs in a high-scoring game) – India helped them win the series 2-0. The third ODI at the same venue on Wednesday has now come to an end.
For those who have not been following this series due to the lack of star power in the Indian team and a weak West Indies line-up, Akshar’s knock is noticeable and will be counted among the better ones to chase for India. When he came to No. 7, India chased down 312 runs for 205 in the 39th over, with 107 off 68 balls. with Shubman Gill (43), Shreyas Iyer (63), Sanju Samson (54) All failed to advance for a big one, with the visitors in danger of losing it. Soon, they needed 100 runs in the last 10 overs.
Sensing the rising run rate, Axar started the attack by hitting left-arm spinner Akil Hossein for a six over fine leg. The left-hander then hit Romario Shepherd for another six on the bowler’s head to show his intention. At the other end also kept losing partners – Deepak Hooda (33), Shardul Thakur (3) more budding Avesh Khan (10) – The man from Gujarat kept clearing the boundary easily. A straight six off long on off Alazari Joseph’s slow delivery.
Smashing the second-fastest ODI half-century off 27 balls by an Indian batsman against West Indies, Axar snatched victory for India from the jaws of defeat, and without much fuss. Those who know him say that this ability to not succumb to pressure comes easily in this small town cricketer of Nadiad, Gujarat.
Axar said, “I think it is a special one. It came at a crucial time and also helped the team win the series. We have done the same in IPL. We just need to keep calm and keep the intensity up. ” “I was playing ODIs after almost five years. I want to continue the same performance for my team.”
Axar’s close confidante Vijay PatelThe coach who was later to make his Gujarat debut said: “Akshar is a typical Nadiad boy. He never feels pressure. Small town kids are tough, fearless people.”
Elaborating on Akshar’s simple personality, Patel says, “I have known him since his under-16 days for Gujarat. He is very focused and mentally relaxed. Success or India’s cap has not changed him. He Still very polite. We talked today. He was really happy. Sometimes when he comes to meet me, he sits on the floor with me. ‘Hey tu India player hai (You are India player)’ ‘I tell him. He is enjoying his life and cricket. He is such a jovial character that the atmosphere in the dressing room is different when he is around. He enjoys having other players with him.’
For someone who always gets a chance if Ravindra Jadeja, which offers a similar skill set, is not available, Akshar has used his opportunities. It can’t be easy, especially when you consider that he has played sporadically for India, going through tours without playing at times. Again, this is a situation that doesn’t stop him.
“Sometime back, there was a period when Jadeja was doing so well that Akshar was almost forgotten. However, he seemed completely at ease about it. I’ll see)’ told me. He wasn’t feeling any pressure,” says Patel. “It doesn’t matter to him whether Jadeja is around or not. He only focuses on his performance. As I said earlier, he is just relaxed and enjoying his game. It is the attitude that makes him Helps to perform well.”