Axar motivated by Gavaskar's criticism

Left arm all-rounder Axar Patel feels that he was taken aback by Sunil Gavaskar’s comments on his performances. He feels he can take this criticism by the legend to prove him wrong and perform with more consistency.

If someone like Sunil Gavaskar gives a criticism to some player it actually means a lot. It acted as an eye opener for a youngster like Axar Patel.

Gavaskar ruled him as just a roller of the ball and didn’t consider him as an alternative spinner for the Indian squad. Gavaskar thought he just bowled flat and was easily predictable, he doesn’t give much of flight and doesn’t ball in the air, which makes him prone to being expensive.

Gavaskar’s comments didn’t worry the selectors must as Axar was selected by the selection for the shorter formats against Australia next year.

Axar said, “I was taken aback to be honest. I guess anyone would be, if it comes from somebody of the stature of Gavaskar sir. He is a legend of the game. But then I thought everyone in the game including Sachin Tendulkar had to face criticism at some point. So I took it in my stride. I am sure sir (Gavaskar) will be happy if I can him prove him wrong.”

Axar is selected for the ODI squad but not for the T20s against Australia. “Fortunately, I have been a part of the ODI setup since then (July) and performing decently,” said the young left-arm spinner.

Patel believes that taking any criticism to heart is no solution to any problem. He has had constant support from his friends and family.

Axar added, “Agar aap criticism dil pe loge to kuch haasil nahi hoga. Mom dad ka bahut support raha. Unhone bola ‘kuch to hoga tere mein jo tujhe India ke liye khelne ka mauka mila’ (It is not going to help if you take criticism to heart. My parents, friends supported me a lot when all this happened. My parents said ‘you ought to have something special that you are playing for India’).

“Australia is still some time away. Right now the focus is to do well for Gujarat in the Vijay Hazare knock-outs. I have been experimenting with flighting the odd ball, but I realise my strength is to bowl back of a length and trouble the batsman with bounce,” Axar said finally.

He is grateful to be selected for the ODIs against Australia. He is not thinking about the Australian tour and is focusing on the Vijay Hazare knockouts as he will play for Gujarat. He still feels that he will get success bowling back of a length deliveries and will hopefully prove the great legend wrong.