Axar Patel, the Indian all-rounder, has shed light on the pivotal role Virat Kohli’s guidance played during their match-winning partnership in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa. Patel’s knock of 47 runs off just 31 balls proved instrumental in India’s victory, but he admits to initial confusion upon being called into action.
Thrown into the Fire
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Patel recounted the pressure of entering the fray with India in a precarious position. “Rohit Sharma [captain] told me to pad up right after Rishabh Pant’s dismissal,” he said. “Everything happened so quickly. I hadn’t even assessed the pitch conditions yet.” The quick succession of wickets – Pant followed by Suryakumar Yadav – left Patel with little time to compose himself.
Fortunately, Hardik Pandya offered some much-needed reassurance as Patel made his way to the crease. “Hardik told me in Gujarati not to stress,” Patel revealed. “‘Just watch the ball and hit the ball,’ he said. This advice stuck with me and helped me stay focused.”
Confidence Boost and Kohli’s Support
Patel’s confidence received a significant boost when he dispatched the first ball he faced for a boundary. He further credited Kohli’s constant communication for keeping him composed and proactive. “‘I’m there. If you think you can hit [a big shot], then go for it,'” Patel quoted Kohli as saying. “This constant communication was very helpful.”
The well-timed partnership with Kohli, who scored a match-winning 76 runs, not only stabilized India’s innings but also propelled them towards a commanding total. Patel acknowledged the impact of Kohli’s presence and guidance during that crucial phase of the match.
The 72-run stand between Axar Patel and Virat Kohli proved to be a turning point in the T20 World Cup final. Patel’s aggressive batting, combined with Kohli’s experience, provided India with the momentum they needed to secure their second World Cup title in this format.
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