Axar Patel Highlights Flexible Batting Roles In T20Is

January 20, 2025: India’s vice-captain Axar Patel has emphasized the importance of flexible roles for the middle order in T20Is, noting that apart from the opening pair, all other batters can be called upon to bat at any position depending on the match situation. Axar’s comments come ahead of India’s five-match T20I series against England, where flexibility in the batting order is expected to play a key role.

Axar, who has been used effectively as a floater in recent T20 matches, believes that the dynamic nature of T20 cricket calls for adaptability. The all-rounder has been in sensational form since the beginning of 2023, significantly improving his batting numbers. He has transitioned from a modest average of 21.26 in 2022 to an impressive 30.32, with a strike rate jumping from 131.25 to 145.62.

Speaking to reporters, Axar outlined the team’s approach to a flexible batting lineup: “Batting-wise, it’s not just with me, but we spoke in 2023-24 that the openers are fixed, but everyone from Nos. 3 to 7 has been told that they can come in anytime, depending on the match situation and match-ups with the bowlers,” he explained. This flexibility allows players like Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and captain Suryakumar Yadav to contribute from various positions in the order, based on form and the need of the hour.

The flexibility has worked well for Axar, who has been asked to bat at numbers 3, 4, 6, and 7 in the past two years, with notable success. He has also struck six fifties during this period. The ability to adjust based on the match’s demands is seen as a crucial factor in India’s strategy moving forward, particularly in T20Is where the game evolves quickly.

Axar also spoke about his new role as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy in the leadership group. Acknowledging the extra responsibility, Axar noted, “There’s an extra responsibility. The T20I side is settled, so there’s not much pressure, but there are small decisions that need making. I need to work closely with Suryakumar and share genuine opinions to build trust.” He also emphasized that in the fast-paced T20 format, decisions need to be made swiftly, especially with such a versatile lineup.

As India prepares for their upcoming series against England, Axar’s focus on leadership and adaptability reflects the team’s broader approach to staying flexible and ready for anything. The series will serve as crucial preparation for India ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, where finding the right balance and combination will be key.

The T20I series against England will kick off at Eden Gardens on Wednesday, followed by a three-match ODI series, before the Champions Trophy. With a solid squad in place, the series presents an opportunity for India to fine-tune their preparations and settle into the right combinations for the global tournament.

India Squad for T20I Series Against England:

• Suryakumar Yadav (C)
• Sanju Samson (wk)
• Abhishek Sharma
• Tilak Varma
• Hardik Pandya
• Rinku Singh
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Axar Patel (vc)
• Harshit Rana
• Arshdeep Singh
• Mohammad Shami
• Varun Chakaravarthy
• Ravi Bishnoi
• Washington Sundar
• Dhruv Jurel (wk)