Team India has had a dream start to the ODI series as well with a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Sunday. Indian left arm spinner Axar Patel picked up three wickets for 34 runs in his 10 overs.
After the match, India’s pacer Jasprit Bumrah interviewed Axar on his performance in the match. On being asked about the bowling plan and his emotions after getting back to the squad after a long gap, Axar replied, “I am really happy to be back in the team after six or seven months, I was not too worried about making a comeback, I thought that I would continue the same way as I used to perform earlier, when playing for India.”
Jasprit also asked Patel about the game plan after the huge opening wicket partnership of Sri Lanka, the southpaw replied, ”Initially I planned to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen as they were scoring at a high rate and even I needed two overs to settle down, then I decided to go for wickets and felt really good when I got my first wicket after two overs.”
Axar showered praises for Shikhar Dhawan’s outstanding knock of unbeaten 132 runs, he said, “Really happy to see Dhawan score and he deserved the man of the match and it feels good when the entire team is performing to their level best in every department, and are not dependent on individuals.”
The young lad concluded by taking India’s chances in ICC World Cup 2019, he said, “All players are young with the average age of 26-27 so I think this is the main factor and everyone is enjoying each other’s company. There is unity in the team which is helping us to gel up together so I think this team will win the 2019 ICC World Cup.”
The Indian team will play their 2nd ODI of the 5-match series on August 24 in Pallekele.
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