India wicket-keeping batter, Dinesh Karthik has showered praises on all-rounder Axar Patel, saying his knock against Sri Lanka at the MCA Stadium in Pune was exhilarating to watch. Sri Lanka registered a 16-run win over India in the second T20I to level the three-match series 1-1. Speaking with Cricbuzz, Karthik praised India’s never die attitude against Sri Lanka in Pune, saying this represents the spirit of the current Indian team.

As per the quotes in India Today, Dinesh Karthik said, “This is the spirit of Indian cricket that we talk about. The never-say-die attitude that they showed required a lot of mental fortitude as the game looked dead and buried.”

The Royal Challengers Bangalore batter said Axar Patel played exhilarating innings against Sri Lanka, adding that these were the most entertaining couple of T20Is he had seen in a long time.

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Dinesh Karthik elaborated, “Surya wasn’t his usual self today, but the kind of innings that he (Axar) played today, especially taking on his match-up Hasaranga was exhilarating to watch. Easily the most entertaining two games we have had in a long time.”

He further added, “If he (Axar) wants to step up and find a place in the World Cup XI, these are the knocks that will be etched in everyone’s minds and these are critical games for him. He would rather want to be in these tough situations and try and get India across the line.”

The veteran wicket-keeper batter, Dinesh Karthik said there will be a toss-up between Axar and Washington Sundar for the spin-bowling all-rounder spot, and such games could help Axar’s case.

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Dinesh Karthik opined, “When the moment comes to decide between Washington Sundar and Axar which will happen at some point in the one-day circuit, these are the games that will help him step up to the fight.”