New Delhi, Nov 7 (NationPress) Indian all-rounder Axar Patel shared insights on how reflecting on his “previous errors” led to a standout performance in India’s 48-run victory over Australia during the fourth T20I. This win gave India a commanding 2-1 lead in the five-match series, following a rain-affected opening match.

Axar's critical late innings contribution—an explosive 11-ball 21 featuring a boundary and a six off Marcus Stoinis in the last over—was instrumental in propelling India to a total of 167. His two wickets further solidified his all-round display, earning him the Player of the Match accolade.

“It was challenging as wickets were tumbling rapidly. The team advised me to take it to the final over, as there were no batsmen left after me,” Axar mentioned in a post-match interview with teammate Shivam Dube on bcci.tv.

“I decided to take a risk in the last over. The side boundaries were large, but I felt that if I maintained my form and focused on the ball, I could clear them,” he explained.

The 31-year-old acknowledged that in the past, he had let the dimensions of the boundary dictate his shot selection—this time, he made a conscious effort to avoid that.

“Previously, I’d get caught up thinking about the boundary size, leading to predetermined shots, which often resulted in errors. This time, I applied the lessons learned from my past and played my strokes freely,” Axar said.

His calm demeanor under pressure enabled India to recover from a mid-innings slump and finish strongly. Later, with the ball, Axar took two wickets in a disciplined performance on a pitch that offered little help to spinners.

“As a spinner, it was crucial for me to contain runs,” he stated. “I aimed to bowl wicket to wicket since I wasn’t getting much spin, but the dew provided some bounce. The ball was skidding quite a bit.”

Dube also inquired about Axar’s crucial wicket of Matthew Short, who was adjudged lbw following an accurate review—something Axar admitted he usually hesitates to do.

“I’m typically reluctant to ask for a review,” he chuckled. “But this time, the ball seemed to stay low. Given my bowling action, I often worry that the ball will hit outside the wicket or come from an angle.”

“However, I sensed the ball was hitting, and although it might have been marginally outside the off stump, we felt it was worth challenging the umpire’s call. Jitu (Jitesh Sharma) confirmed it was in line, so I agreed to take the risk,” he recalled.

The left-arm all-rounder aims to maintain his form into the fifth and final T20 in Brisbane on Saturday, as India seeks a series-clinching victory to cap off their tour on a high note.