IPL 2023: “I am still batting 10-12 overs” – Axar Patel hilariously responds on his batting order

Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel responded funnily to a query when he was asked about why he is not batting up the order despite his sublime form with the bat in the Indian Premier League 2023. The left-handed batter answered that wherever he bats, he still ends up playing 10-12 overs.

At a post-match press conference, he said: “I also thought about that, but then I realised that I am still batting 10-12 overs (laughs). Wherever I bat, up the order or No. 7, I am feeling the same, so I am not talking much about it. 10-12 overs are enough for me, the way I am batting.”

However, Axar Patel’s humorous reply left everyone in splits. But, he revealed that there’s a cricketing logic behind him batting lower down the order. He stated:

“We have discussed this, but if you look at our batting order, domestic players can play spin well. If I bat higher in the order, the question arises as to who will do the finishing job. The captain and the coach, when they sit down to discuss strategy, they also think about what would happen if he (Axar) gets out early. So there are two ways to think about it.”

“I would blame myself as well” – Axar Patel on Delhi Capitals’ batting collapse

He also contributed 36 off 22 in the game against Gujarat Titans. However, he was dismissed on the first ball of the penultimate over, while trying to hit off Jason Behrendorff. Delhi Capitals lost three more wickets in the same over and they were eventually bowled with two balls remaining of their 20 overs as well.

However, the all-rounder also said that he could have been a bit more watchful. While talking about his dismissal and the team’s collapse, he said that he would have stayed till the end against Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2023.

“I would blame myself as well a bit. There were 10 balls left, so maybe I could have been a bit more watchful instead of going for the big shot. But, I was in good flow, so I thought if I could connect early, there would be more pressure on the bowler. It’s not easy for new batters to come in and hit the ball right away. Their (Mumbai’s) batters also struggled. It could have been a different game if we had 176-180 instead of 172,” Axar Patel concluded.