IPL 2018: Axar Patel upbeat about linking up with Ravi Ashwin

When spin maestro Ravi Ashwin was picked up by the KXIP franchise, it was one of the most hyped signings in the year’s player auction. And recently, he was named the skipper for KXIP in the upcoming edition. With a proven record in the Indian Premier League, and years of international experience under his belt, Ashwin seems like the ideal man to spin the KXIP campaign in the right direction this season.

One cricketer, who looked the most excited by this big news was none other than KXIP’s only retained player, Axar Patel. While Axar has played under a number of captains in the past, he admitted that the experience Ravi Ashwin will bring to the table will be something unique. It’s no secret that spinners like to hunt in pairs and tighten the screws on the opponents from both ends till they are forced to do something out of the ordinary. With this in mind, Axar felt that he had found the perfect partner to bowl with this season.

Axar Patel opens up about Ravi Ashwin

Speaking exclusively to the Kings XI Punjab website, Patel said, “I know Ashwin since I made my debut for India. I think this familiarity I have with him is a huge advantage.”

He added, “I know that Ashwin is an attacking bowler. His role is to pick wickets, and my role is generally to contain the flow of runs and build pressure from one end. So, it will make for a good partnership. We have done that for India too in the past, and will look to continue the same for KXIP in the coming season.”

Axar Patel also echoed KXIP mentor Sehwag’s sentiments that a bowling captain knows how to read the batsman’s mind and set fields accordingly. He reasoned, “Ashwin is really experienced and I am glad that he has now become the captain. I think if a bowler is a captain it is a much better option because a bowler knows what the batsman is thinking and can make changes according to the situation the game is in.”

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