Bowling with free mind under Kohli's captaincy great: Axar Patel

Rajkot (Gujarat) [India], Nov.3 (ANI): Indian left-arm spinner Axar Patel on Friday heaped praise on Virat Kohli's captaincy, saying the skipper allows a bowler to bowl his way.

Speaking on the eve of the second T20I of the three-match series against New Zealand, Patel said, "He gives confidence and lets you bowl with a free mind in your style and allows setting the field accordingly. And if that plan does not work, then he suggests changes. So, it is good that Virat gives priority to bowlers' strategy.

The 23-year-old also added that Kohli always backs his players, which helps in boosting their confidence.

"I have been playing for the team since the second ODI against New Zealand and have been doing well. If you perform, then definitely the captain backs you," Patel told the reporters.

The second T20I between the two sides will be played here at the Saurashtra Cricket Association stadium, also Axar's home ground, on Saturday.

When quizzed if he would have any advantage of playing at the home ground, Axar said, "It is my home ground so I have an idea about the pitch. I have been bowling in the IPLs so I know how the pitch behaves, so I'll bowl accordingly. I can also guide my teammates about the wicket."

The spinner, however, played down his chances of being in the Playing XI for the the second T20 against the Kane Williamson-led side.

Patel said, "I do not think of establishing my place in the Indian team, I just think about playing well in the given match so that it could automatically earn me a spot in the next match."

On head coach Ravi Shastri, he said, "Ravi Shastri knows my bowling style is different, so, he gives me minor advice."

India registered a comfortable 53-run win over New Zealand in the first T20I played at Delhi's Ferozshah Kotla ground.

Patel picked the wickets of Tom Bruce and Colin de Grandhomme in the match. (ANI)