IPL 2021: Ricky Ponting keeps reminding me that I am one of the team’s key players – Axar Patel

Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel has given credit to Ricky Ponting for showing confidence in him. Patel stated the team’s head coach keeps reminding him that he is one of the key players of the team.

The left-arm orthodox spinner has done a fine job for Delhi Capitals in the ongoing season and has played a key role in the team’s success.

Patel has scalped 15 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 16.73 and most importantly he has bowled with an impressive economy rate of 6.43. Axar is known to be right on the money and he is deadly accurate with his line and length. Thus, he hardly bowls a loose ball and keeps it tight on the stumps, which helps him in his success.

Patel can also deliver the goods with the bat while batting down the order. Furthermore, Patel is a gun fielder, which makes him a complete package.

Axar Patel said while talking to Times of India, “Last year, he (Ponting) took me aside, and told me I am one of the main players in the Capitals team. Now that I have done well, he keeps reminding me what he said and that I should stick to what I have been doing. And the best thing about Ricky is that it doesn’t matter to him if you are an international player. That’s why we trust him so much.”

Patel added that it is important to remain balanced after getting selected and not try too hard. The left-arm spinner from Gujarat is delighted with his performance and is also happy regarding his selection for the T20 World Cup.

‘’When you start playing cricket seriously, your dream is to play and perform for India. The trick is how you motivate yourself after you have played for India. There should always be something new that motivates you,” added Patel.

”I have been playing for India for some time, but ICC events like the World Cups and World Test Championship final are the real deal. So, I always aspired to play in such big tournaments. Being part of the WTC final and the T20 World Cup has made me happy. But it’s important to remain balanced after getting selected and not try too hard,” he added.

Patel will look to continue his good form for Delhi Capitals and then also carry the same in the T20 World Cup for the national team.