'Who said I am a white-ball player' - Axar Patel after claiming 5th five-for in Test matches

Axar Patel continues his stellar run in the longest format as he claimed yet another five-wicket haul in the ongoing 1st Test against New Zealand at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. Notably, the left-arm spinner, standing in his fourth game in the format, recorded his fifth five-wicket haul in Test matches. Axar wouldn’t have asked for a better start to his Test career.

For the unversed, the all-rounder made his debut during the home series against England earlier this year. Patel made the ball talk and took as many as 27 wickets in just three games including four-wicket hauls. His performances left one and all astonished as the southpaw had a reputation of being a white-ball specialist.

I was waiting for an opportunity in Test matches: Axar Patel

Addressing the same in the press conference, Patel said he always backed himself as an all-format player. He also said he was eagerly waiting for his chances to make a mark in the Test arena. “I don’t know who said I am a white-ball player. Whenever I have played first-class cricket or for India A, I have performed well. I never thought that I was a white-ball player,” said Axar.

“It’s all about the mindset, whether you think of yourself as a white-ball or red-ball cricketer. For me, I was waiting for an opportunity to perform (in Test cricket). And when I got a chance during the England series, I did well. I would give credit to the team for placing faith in me and giving me a chance,” he added.

With Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the ranks, Patel would only play Test matches if India goes with three spinners or one of the two primary spinners is injured or rested. On being asked to comment on the same, Axar says he enjoys play the longest format rather than thinking about these facts.

“As you said (to reporter), this is my fifth five-for in seven innings. I just enjoy myself whenever I am on the ground. I am not thinking on the lines of there is (Ravichandran) Ashwin bhai and Jaddu bhai (Ravindra Jadeja),” said the 27-year-old.