WTC Final 2023: Indian players practised with Dukes ball during IPL, says Axar Patel

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel revealed that the players practised with Dukes ball during the Indian Premier League in order to prepare for the World Test Championship final. After all the conclusion of the IPL 2023, the Indian players didn’t have enough time to gear up for the WTC final.

It is well known that it is not easy to hit the ground running in tough English conditions in Test cricket and time is needed to get acclimatize to the available conditions.

Meanwhile, India had lost the WTC final against New Zealand in 2021 as the latter had the experience of playing two Test matches against England just before the summit clash whereas the Virat Kohli-led team wasn’t well prepared.

“So even during the IPL, it was discussed that we will bowl with the red ball. We had red balls, so we were using them. You know when and how to play, how much time you have. This mental switch from white ball to red ball is obviously tough, but we have enough time,” Patel told ICC.

“The difference is the Dukes ball remains shinier for longer. But during the IPL, we had ordered the ball, so were practising with it and have gotten used to it,” he further added.

On the other hand, Axar Patel was in red-hot form for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023 and he will be looking to carry the good show if he gets his chance in the WTC final against Australia.

The left-hander scored 283 runs in 13 innings at an average of 28.30 and a strike rate of 139.40. However, he was not given the promotion in the batting order despite performing consistently.

Furthermore, Patel scalped 11 wickets in 13 innings at an average of 30.72 and an economy rate of 7.19.

The all-rounder added that it will be crucial to bowl in the right areas to reap rewards in the summit clash.

“As I said, we switch from white ball to red ball. It is a similar switch to go from SG to Dukes, you have the use your talent and skill. You have to execute your plan, your bowling rhythm. Irrespective of the ball, if you bowl a good ball at a good spot, it works,” Axar said.

“So that’s what we’re doing. Since the match is in England, which is different from India, we are planning what lines and lengths will work here. The same thing in practice, we are good to go,” the all-rounder concluded.

The WTC Final will take place at the Oval from June 7.