Kings XI Punjab spinner Axar Patel remains upbeat about his team's chances in this season's Indian Premier leaguer despite the side languishing in seventh spot. Axar, who recorded the first hat-trick of the ongoing IPl with a 4/21 against Gujarat lions in the last match, tells Jatin Verma how the team looks to revive its performance in the cash-rich league and how bowling slower through the air is reaping the rewards for him
What do you think is wrong with the team's performance this seasonIJ
Our middle-order batsmen haven't clicked in this tournament so far. We have some good big-hitters in our side and it's just matter of time until they click. Till then, I am optimistic and hope we can turn the tables around. We are languishing at the bottom of the table but given the performance of every team there is not much difference in it. It's still early stages, it's not that we are out of the tournament, we can still bounce back. Yes, our batsmen failed to get going and have not been able to post big total on the board but they are practicing hard in the nets and shaping up to perform in the upcoming matches
What do you make about Murali Vijay's appointment as the captainIJ
I feel it's a good move. Whenever an Indian leads an IPl team, he will know the local players well and knows and can read the pitches well too. I believe Vijay will be able to get the best out of us — both the Indian as well as the foriegn players.
Before IPl, you said you are working on bringing variations in your bowling. Tell us about thatIJ
I am trying to ensure that I don't just bowl flat and quick through the air. In the last few months, I am looking to bring subtle variations in the pace. That's not all. I am looking to use the depth of the crease well. You expect top batsmen to read you well after two or three seasons at this level and that is why I felt the need to add more variety to my bowling. I am tossing up the odd ball in training but it doesn't mean I will only do that. I will continue bowling the flatters ones and try to mix it with the odd flighted ball.
Are you eyeing an India comeback with the IPlIJ
I think it is important to do well in the IPl as it's a great platform to showcase your potential against the best in the business. At this moment, I am not thinking of an India comeback as I believe — if I do well in this tournament, there is strong chance that I can make Indian comeback.
Word on Miller's performance.....
There is nothing to worry about his (Miller) form, he is a champion player. He has been asked to play his normal game. He is working really hard in the nets which will definitely boost his confidence. He has got the big responsibility and I'm sure he will deliver in upcoming matches.