Our middle-order will come to bat depending on match situation: Axar Patel

The Indian team is set to play five T20Is and three ODIs against England at home with the first T20I to be played at Kolkata. The side will be led by Suryakumar Yadav in the shorter format, with spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel being the new vice-captain in the upcoming series. 

Axar's selection as Yadav's deputy may have come as a surprising move by the BCCI, however, the Gujarat-born's recent performances cannot be ignored, especially in the white-ball format. Often, Axar has been seen as a floater in India's T20 batting line-up, and the same can be expected in the upcoming series as well. Speaking ahead of the Kolkata's opening encounter, the cricketer stressed on the importance of flexibility for the team in the batting order.

“Batting wise, it's not just with me, but we spoke in 2023-24 itself that the openers are fixed, but everyone from Nos. 3 to 7 have been told that they can come into bat anytime, in any situation. It is not just that one batter will bat at a particular position, our middle order will come to bat depending on the match situation, what kind of bowlers are bowling at the time, which match-up works well,” Axar told the reporters during the press conference on Monday, January 20. 

“We've spoken about that, how we can all be floaters, be it coming in early or obviously finishing. This is not just for me, but for everyone from No. 3 and below, especially if they are in good touch in the nets. We will adjust accordingly. In T20Is, how you use your batters is so crucial, so this is an important factor in batting," he added.

Also Read: 'Don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone' - Axar Patel exudes confidence in himself ahead of England series 

Apart from the series against England, Axar is also part of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad which will be led by Rohit Sharma, and he will be hoping to continue his great form with both bat and ball in the upcoming event, as the Men in Blue travel to Dubai for the show-piece event.