Axar Patel Hails Suryakumar Yadav as ‘Bowler’s Captain’: “Bowlers Get Confidence From Him”

July 28, 2024 0 711

Axar Patel termed Suryakumar Yadav the ‘bowler’s captain’, citing that he allows bowlers complete freedom with the ball.

India all-rounder Axar Patel has heaped praise on new T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, calling him a “bowlers’ captain” who gives his bowlers the freedom to execute their plans. The left-arm spinner also revealed that the team is experimenting with batting combinations in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after India’s 43-run victory in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, Axar said, “I played in the last Australia series with Surya Bhai. I know that he is a bowlers’ captain. He gives you the free hand to decide first,” Axar said at the post-match press conference on Saturday.

“Whenever you get hit, he comes and says that it was a good ball. He keeps giving you input. As a player, there is a good bond with him.” Axar recalled the experience of playing under Suryakumar in the five-match T20I series against Australia in India late last year, which the hosts won 4-1.

“As a captain, I have also played with him in the last five matches, and when I was playing today, I didn’t feel much change. In the first three overs, when we were going for runs, he was telling me that we could do this or do that and how we could take a wicket. There is no problem if a four or six goes in it. As a bowler, you get confidence from that if the captain is backing you and telling you that you can do this,” added Axar.

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After shedding light on Yadav’s captaincy, Axar also shared some insights into the support staff and coach Gautam Gambhir’s intent with the team. Axar said the message from India’s new staff under head coach Gautam Gambhir has been that the team will not experience a major overhaul in the way it operates. While fielding coach T Dilip has continued in his role, Abhishek Nayar, Sairaj Bahutule, and Dutchman Ryan ten Doeschate are now a part of Gambhir’s support staff for this tour of Sri Lanka, as positions will be finalised after the tour ends.

“I have been playing for 10 years. I have played with different coaches and captains. I don’t think a lot will change in the team. When we were talking in the team meeting, they also said the same thing: the coach and captain keep changing, but the team remains the same, and the 11 or 15 players who stay have to do it,” Patel added.