WTC final: Mental switch from IPL 2023 to Test match tough, says Axar Patel

With IPL 2023 fever just now kicking off, India now have little time to switch gears for the format change with the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia starting on June 7. Several members of the Indian team have already reached England and have started their preparations for the big final at Arundel Cricket Club.

While he managed to catch a glimpse of the thrilling IPL 2023 final, all-rounder Axar Patel, who has been in the training group, confirmed that his preparations are going well for the WTC clash against Australia. Switching between formats in a short time frame comes with its challenges, but Axar revealed that the preparation started during the IPL season itself where he practiced with the red ball.

Akshar told the ICC, “We came to know about this even before the IPL started.” He said, ‘That’s why it was discussed during IPL also that we will bowl with red ball. We had red balls, so we were using them. You know when and how to play, how much time you have. Mentally switching from white ball to red ball is definitely difficult, but we have enough time.

“Those who did not qualify (for IPL playoffs) got more time. So I don’t think there will be much problem because we have got a good amount of time to prepare.”

While India play red-ball games at home with the SG ball, the WTC final will feature the Dukes ball which is used in English conditions. Axar said that he had been practicing with the Dukes ball during the IPL but added that the focus was on hitting the right spots, irrespective of the ball used.

“The difference is that the Dukes ball stays shiny for longer. But during the IPL we ordered the ball, so have been practicing with it and got used to it. As I said, we are using red ball from white ball. Let’s switch on. It’s a similar switch to go from SG to Dukes, you have to use your talent and skills. You have to execute your plan, your bowling rhythm. Whatever the ball, if you are good Bowling a good ball over the place, it works,” said Axar.

“So that is what we are doing. Since the match is in England, which is different from India, we are planning what line and length will work here. Same thing in practice, we are ready to go ahead. ”

Life is short. Spend it on people who make you laugh and feel loved. , pic.twitter.com/e9MvAJTOmb— Akshar Patel (@axar2026) May 30, 2023

Apart from the quick change in format, there is also the challenge of adapting from the sweltering heat of the Indian summer to the relatively mild conditions in England. “We had come from playing the IPL where the temperature in India was 40-45 degrees. After this it looks very nice here. We have taken off our winter clothes and are walking around in jumpers. A little wind is also blowing. Whenever we come to the UK, we enjoy the weather. It remains a bit cold, there is no heat, ”said Akshar.

The bowling plan is yet to be chalked out, and Axar is happy to leave it to the bowling coach, but neither he nor the team are sweating over the complete contrast of conditions. “Obviously, the conditions are different in India and England. Fast bowlers have more role here. In India, spinners play a more important role,” Akshar said.

He said, ‘The conditions are the same for both the teams. In England, the wind helps swing bowling and if you bowl in the right places, you get good bounce. The team is slowly gathering, so the planning will continue. We will leave the work of planning to our bowling coach.