Jasprit Bumrah turns reporter, throws ‘verbal yorkers’ at Axar Patel - Video | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Jasprit Bumrah turns reporter, throws ‘verbal yorkers’ at Axar Patel - Video

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Aug 22, 2017 11:57 AM IST

After the Indian cricket team thrashed Sri Lanka by nine wickets in the first ODI at Dambulla, Jasprit Bumrah interviewed Axar Patel about the all-rounder’s comeback to the national team, India’s chances of winning the 2019 World Cup and much more.

Jasprit Bumrah is not just well-prepared to strike with his fiery yorkers on the field, but is also efficient in doing it off the field as well.

Axar Patel (L) and Jasprit Bumrah were key performers in Indian cricket team’s nine-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Dambulla ODI.(bcci.tv)
Axar Patel (L) and Jasprit Bumrah were key performers in Indian cricket team’s nine-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Dambulla ODI.(bcci.tv)

Bumrah did not spare his teammate Axar Patel despite the Indian spinner registering his career best figures of 3/34 in the first ODI against Sri Lanka at Dambulla on Sunday. Virat Kohli’s team beat the hosts comprehensively by nine wickets as they chased down the 217-run target in just 28.5 overs.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

(Read | Virat Kohli gets immersed in nature in Sri Lanka with elephants and lion rock)

Bumrah, who donned the hat of a reporter after the game, grilled Axar for over two minutes with his ‘verbal yorkers’.

(Read | Sri Lanka will improve in six months, says Nic Pothas after Dambulla drubbing)

When asked about his bowling plan and emotions after getting selected in the Indian team after a six-month hiatus, Patel told BCCI.tv: “I am really happy to be back in the team after six or seven months, I was not too worried about making a comeback, I thought that I would continue the same way as I used to perform earlier, when playing for India.”

With Sri Lanka scoring runs with ease in the initial part of their innings, Axar Patel’s first aim was to bowl tightly. “Initially, I planned to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen as they were scoring at a high rate and even I needed two overs to settle down, then I decided to go for wickets and felt really good when I got my first wicket after two overs,” said the lean and lanky spinner.

(Read | Sri Lanka cricket fans hold up team bus after horror ODI defeat vs India)

Jasprit Bumrah fired a slower-one just when he sensed Axar getting too comfortable with his questions. Bumrah asked his state-mate whether he fancied winning the Man of the Match award. The all-rounder, however, defended it well. “No, I did not think about getting the Man of the Match. The way Shikhar batted, he deserved that award. It feels good when the entire team is performing to their level best in every department, and are not dependent on individuals,” said Patel, lavishing praise on Dhawan’s 90-ball unbeaten 132.

Although skipper Virat Kohli declared that the ODI series against Sri Lanka will mark their preparations for the 2019 World Cup, Axar Patel was quite confident that Team India will clinch the 2019 World Cup. “All players are young with the average age of 26-27 so I think this is a main factor and everyone is enjoying each other’s company. There is unity in the team which is helping us to gel up together so I think this team will win the 2019 ICC World Cup,” Patel said in his assessment.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away!- Login Now!
Catch all the Latest Cricket News, Live Cricket Score and IPL 2024 Schedule, match updates along with Cricket Schedule, Purple Cap in IPL 2024, Orange Cap in IPL 2024 and other related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On