Akshar Patel hopeful of playing Bangladesh ODIs

Akshar Patel

The winner of the ‘Emerging Player’ award in IPL 2014, Akshar Patel has managed to get a place in the Indian squad that tours Bangladesh later this June. Speaking to the media about his successful run against some of the best international batsmen in the IPL, Akshar Patel credited Kings XI Punjab bowling coach Joe Dawes for his performances.

“There is a little bit of pressure in the back of your mind since you know that this batsman is a hard hitter or a legend of the game. However, I never allowed that pressure to get to me. I used to stick to basics. Our bowling coach Joe Dawes made a lot of plans for different batsmen and I used to apply those and that is why my economy rate (6.13) has been good.

Par agar aapka bad luck hain to kisi bhi bowler ko run pad sakte hain (If your luck is bad anybody can hit you). I never thought much about that,” the left-arm spinner revealed about his mindset when facing the batsmen.

The 20-year -ld bowler from Kheda, a small town near Ahmedabad, mentioned his family as his source of inspiration: “My father and my grandmother have been my inspiration. I used to speak to my parents before and after every match. It is my routine to seek their blessings before every match.”

About his expectations for the tour of Bangladesh, Akshar hoped to be among the playing XI and stated that he will try to contribute with both bat and ball.

“I am hopeful of being a part of the playing XI. I am performing well. Obviously I will be nervous before my first match but I don't want to take pressure. I will stick to basics and give my best. I treat myself as a bowling all-rounder so I can contribute with the bat as well” said Akshar.