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Xtra Time Web Desk: Axar Patel was one of the brightest sparks for India in the T20I World Cup 2024. He contributed in all three departments of the game in the tournament and was India's savior every time the team got into trouble. With the bat, Axar dug India out in the final of the tournament. With the ball, Axar derailed defending champions England in the semi-final and in the field, Axar's catch against Mitchell Marsh in the Super 8s vs Australia changed the complexion of the game.

With Ravindra Jadeja calling time on his T20I career, Axar is being looked at as the long-term replacement for the all-rounder. After his successful T20 World Cup campaign, Axar revealed in an interview how playing tennis ball cricket and the Indian Premier League helped him handle pressure in the ICC tournament.

Axar revealed that his background in tennis ball cricket prepared him to hit shots against every kind of ball. The batter said that while he learned better technique with the seasoned ball, it was tennis ball cricket that shaped his mentality with the bat.

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"Playing tennis ball cricket had an impact on my hitting ability because, in that format, you can hit almost every ball for a six or a four, especially in short 10-12 over games. It also influenced my shot selection. Initially, I would predominantly hit the ball to the leg side. However, when I transitioned to season ball cricket, I realised the importance of playing with the swing and not just slogging every ball. I worked on expanding my hitting areas, focusing on playing straight and avoiding cross-batted shots," Axar said.

"Tennis ball cricket also taught me how to handle pressure. Growing up, I often found myself in pressure situations, which made me more stable and stronger mentally. I learned to stay calm and think positively, which has been invaluable in my career," he further added.

Axar also revealed that he is nervous against arch-rivals Pakistan. He was sent up the order against Pakistan in the terrible New York pitch in the group stages of the game. While Axar did not play a deep innings in that game, the batter said that the sudden change prepared him for facing anything in the tournament.

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"Against Pakistan I was sent up the order. Before the match, I was told that I may have to bat early if there are early wickets. At that time I was nervous. In the nets, I did not practice with the new ball and suddenly I was having to play in Power Play. My IPL experience came in handy and it made me feel positive. For Delhi Capitals, I batted a few times in the Power Play overs and played a few crucial knocks too," Axar said.

"That helped me understand what to do in those situations. I had to be positive and not worry about who would be bowling to me. I was not trying to over think. And I knew that I had the game to play according to the situation. I just wanted to stay in the present. That worked for me against Pakistan," he concluded on the matter.