You have to learn to take harsh decisions – Axar Patel on his role as India's vice-captain

Axar Patel has been tasked with a new challenge in the upcoming T20I series against England, where he will be deputizing for Suryakumar Yadav. In the shortest format of the game, Axar has shown promise and intent while essaying his role as a valuable all-rounder.

Talking in the pre-match presser ahead of the series opener in Kolkata, Axar highlighted the challenges that come in with the vice-captaincy role, while also pointing out how small decisions can be made that could change the course of the game.

Patel said, “It has just been a day, but as part of the leadership group there is an extra responsibility. The T20I side is settled, so there's not much pressure, but there are small decisions that need making and during the game I need to work closely with Suryakumar.”

He further added, “As part of the leadership group, you have to learn to take harsh decisions. We have spoken about sharing our genuine opinions and that will help build trust in this group. The T20I format is such that it is so fast that you have to make decisions quickly, so the larger conversations [with the coaches] is about how to do that."

He also opened up on the upcoming World Cup, stating, “The World Cup is coming up in a year so how we approach leading up to that, we want to try it from now itself. That's the main target. Momentum is a big thing because if you start well, you can carry it. We finished 2024 well so we want to carry the momentum into this series too.”

Axar concluded by stating, “But we've discussed that the past is past, however, we want to move ahead with the positives we gained from there. We have taken forward the points that brought us success. Transition is also something happening, across all formats, but that's a call for the selectors and captain to take."