Axar Patel. (Photo source: Santanu Banik/MB Media/Getty Images)

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel produced a remarkable all-round performance in the fourth T20I against Australia on Thursday, November 6, at Carrara Oval, Queensland. The left-handed batter scored an unbeaten 21 runs off 11 balls and contributed with the ball by taking two wickets for 20 runs in his four-over spell. His efforts earned him the Player of the Match award.

Patel mentioned that the pitch conditions were not very suitable for him and demanded extra focus and effort.

He expressed that he was not overly concerned about his batting position and remained committed to performing his best whenever given an opportunity.

“I got a chance because I went into bat at number 7, so I think I had a chance to get to know the wicket. After I spoke with the batters, they were saying that the wicket is not coming on... There was an unexpected bounce and the wicket was a little bit slower, so I just held my position and hit. I think whenever the team needs me that's my preferred (batting) position.

If I have an impact for my team, I think that's the best game for me. I don't think that number 6 or 7 is my preferred position,” said Patel in the post-match presentation.

He mentioned that he stuck to his bowling plans during the match, aiming consistently at the middle stump. He explained that whenever he felt his lengths were not coming out as intended, he focused on pitching the ball slightly fuller and maintaining a wicket-to-wicket line to create wicket-taking opportunities.

“I just go there and think about what my team needs now, I'll do that.

I was thinking that was the batters' strength, so I was bowling according to my plan. If the batters are going to hit me down the line, then I can bowl in the middle-stump. Good length, 5-6m length and then if things are slipping from me, then I'll just bowl an odd full one. So that's my plan in these conditions, I think wicket to wicket is the most important thing,” said Patel.