India’s dynamic all-rounder Axar Patel believes the touring squad is no longer fazed by Australian conditions, emphasizing that the team’s focus ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series is on strategy and execution rather than adapting to the pitches. Speaking after India’s intense training session at Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday, Axar shared insights into the team’s evolving mindset since his first visit to Australia nearly a decade ago.

“I feel that since 2015, when I first came here, a lot has changed,” Axar Patel said. “Back then, all the discussions were about pace, bounce, and conditions. Now, because we’ve played here so often since the 2015 World Cup, the focus has shifted. Our batters have performed consistently, and we’ve become comfortable with the conditions.”

He further explained that the current Indian side is concentrating more on building partnerships and refining match awareness.

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“Now, we don’t talk about pitches much. Instead, we discuss where we can score runs and how to execute our strategies better. It’s all about timing, placement, and planning,” he added.

Axar Patel also highlighted the positive influence of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, especially in shaping the leadership of new ODI captain Shubman Gill.

“For Gill, it’s perfect. Both Rohit bhai and Virat bhai are around. They’ve been captains themselves, so their input is helping Gill’s captaincy grow. What’s impressive is that he hasn’t looked under pressure at all,” Axar Patel said.

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Having been selected ahead of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar is keen to make the most of his opportunity. “I’m very confident going into this series. In the Asia Cup, I performed well with both bat and ball. After a long time, I’ll be playing in Australia since the 2022 T20 World Cup, and I’m fully ready for the challenge,” he concluded.