IND vs NZ: Axar Patel Indian skipper Virat Kohli lavished praise on all-rounder Axar Patel and said that he has the skills to provide a good balance to the team. The youngster not only starred with the ball but also scored a fifty in the first innings of the second Test against New Zealand before smashing a 26-ball 41 in the second innings.
IND beat NZ: Virat Kohli excited to have another all-rounder in Axar Patel, says, ‘His skill sets provide a good balance’
“Axar is obviously is an all-rounder cricketer. His skill sets provide a good balance to any team he plays for precisely why he is performing well for so long in T20 cricket and Test too whenever he is given an opportunity. The good thing to see is he is adapting his game according to the need of the format,” said Kohli in the press conference after India’s win over New Zealand.
He further stressed that if he focuses on his fitness then he can go on to play for a long time for the country. Kohli added that the all-rounder has adapted his game according to a format that forms a key for the side.
“Which I think is a great sign, if he can keep his fitness levels up, if he can keep working on his game then you know he has a potential to play for a long time and that’s basically the need of the hour in today’s cricket.
“If you can’t keep up your fitness level it becomes more and more difficult. At the moment he is going through a great phase and I wish him all the success. I hope he stays fit and hungry to play for a long time,” he added.
India defeated New Zealand by 372 runs in the second Test of the two-match series here at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday.
IND beat NZ: Virat Kohli excited to have another all-rounder in Axar Patel, says, ‘His skill sets provide a good balance’
With this win, Team India is back to the number 1 spot in ICC Test rankings. The victory over New Zealand also means India sealed the two-match series 1-0, and now Kohli’s side will head to South Africa for three Tests and three ODIs, beginning December 26.
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