The cricketing world might have all its focus on the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) but Team India players were well aware of the task after the conclusion of the tournament, according to Axar Patel.
While IPL 2023 ended this week, Team India will be locking horns against Australia in the mouth-watering ICC World Test Championship (ICC WTC) final next week. There is absolutely no denying that switching from T20s to Test format in such a short duration of time is very challenging.
However, Axar Patel is confident he and his teammates would be able to adapt to changes in formats and conditions. Speaking to ICC, the star allrounder has revealed that the preparations for Team India players had begun during the IPL season itself where they practiced with the red ball.
“We knew about this before the start of IPL,” Axar Patel said.
“So even during the IPL, it was discussed that we will bowl with the red ball. We had red balls, so we were using them. You know when and how to play, how much time you have. This mental switch from white ball to red ball is obviously tough, but we have enough time.”
“Those who did not qualify [for IPL Playoffs] got more time. So I don’t think there will be many problems because we have had a good time to prepare,” he added.
Axar Patel on Dukes ball:
Another challenge for Team India will be the Dukes ball. While Team India play their Test cricket with the SG ball, they will have to play the ICC WTC final against Australia with the Dukes ball which is used in English conditions.
And while only time will tell how the Indian players perform with the Dukes ball, Axar Patel has said that the players had been practicing with the Dukes ball during the IPL.
“The difference is the Dukes ball remains shinier for longer. But during the IPL, we had ordered the ball, so were practising with it and have gotten used to it,” Axar said.
“As I said, we switch from white ball to red ball. It is a similar switch to go from SG to Dukes, you have the use your talent and skill. You have to execute your plan, your bowling rhythm. Irrespective of the ball, if you bowl a good ball at a good spot, it works.
“So that’s what we’re doing. Since the match is in England, which is different from India, we are planning what lines and lengths will work here. The same thing in practice, we are good to go,” he added.
The much-anticipated ICC WTC Final is scheduled to take place from June 7 at the Oval in London. India will be desperate to win the clash after losing the inaugural edition of the WTC Final against New Zealand a couple of years ago.