Feels really special to have taken a hat-trick in the IPL, says Axar Patel

KINGS XI PUNJAB spinner Axar Patel bagged four wickets in five balls, including a hat-trick, to help his team overcome the table-toppers Gujarat Lions. The left-arm spinner’s sensational spell reduced Gujarat Lions to 57 for 6, setting up Punjab's second win of the season.  

Expressing his delight in taking the first hat-trick of the season, Axar told iplt20.com, 

“This has been my best bowling performance. I was just trying to do what I did in IPL-7. I was focusing on bowling in the right areas as that is something that had worked for me earlier. I had never taken a hat-trick in my career before, so it feels really special that I got the milestone at this level. The fact that we won the game and my efforts have resulted in a win makes it even more special.”

When asked if he had worked on any particular aspect of bowling, the 22-year-old said,

“Before the IPL, I was working on my flight. I worked on bowling slower through the air, so when a batsman comes down the track, I can bowl outside the off stump and beat him in flight. Generally, batsmen stay rooted to the crease and play the cut shot off my bowling. So, this is the variation I have worked on and wanted to get it right.” 

The bowling all-rounder is focussed on doing well in IPL and he believes his consistency and confidence could get him an opportunity in the Indian team, amidst a stiff competition.

“Firstly, it would be really nice if we can win the IPL trophy and hand it over to our owner and coaches. It is every cricketer’s goal in the IPL to win a trophy for their owner and the franchise. Now that I have bowled well, I will look to carry this confidence forward. If you feel confident about your game and your bowling, it opens more doors for you and ultimately you can win your place back.”