MS Dhoni always supports and backs junior players: Axar Patel

The Virat Kohli led Indian team had an incredible run in Sri Lanka with a dominant and complete performance. The visitors thrashed the hosts convincingly first in the Test series 3-0, then the ODIs 5-0 and also won the solitary T20 game. The whole team performed with great abilities and fighting spirit throughout the tour. On the other hand, Sri Lanka failed to live up to the expectations and as a result, they couldn’t win a single game on the long tour.

For Team India, there were many positives to take from the trip to the island country. One of the major developments was the evolution of some young talents, especially in the limited-overs series. They had the option of giving the opportunity to some young talents in the five-match ODI series and the solitary T20I, as they have one eye on the preparations for the 2019 World Cup.

Mahi bhai always backs juniors

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel bowled well in the ODI series in Sri Lanka as he claimed 6 wickets in 4 matches. He was making a comeback into the national side, after a great performance in the A tour to South Africa. Axar praised wicketkeeper and former Indian captain MS Dhoni for his supportive nature. He revealed that all the senior player including Dhoni always supports and backs the juniors in the team.

“Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) and all senior players gel well with the youngsters and they are cool. They back us very well,” said Axar in a conversation with IndiaTV.

“It’s always feel better (to make a comeback) and yes I am happy because after 8 months I am back in blue and doing good for the team. It’s a lovely feeling,” he added.

I am not thinking about my performance

All the bowlers of the visiting Indian team were outstanding throughout the ODI series, especially young fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who was awarded the Player of the Series for picking up 15 wickets. Axar also talked about his own performance and stated that he is working hard in the process.

“I am not thinking about my performance. I am just thinking about the process and I’m really happy that I ended as the second-highest wicket-taker in the series,” the Gujarat spinner said.

The Men in Blue will now lock horns with the Aussies at home, later this month in both the limited-overs formats and the whole side including Axar seems to be ready for the challenge.

“It always feel amazing when you end the series unbeaten. Al of us were happy and we are ready for the Australia series,” concluded the 23-year-old.