Sunil Gavaskar and Axar Patel. (Photo Source: Google Image)
Despite playing remarkably well with the bat in the fourth match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Axar Patel failed to convert his start into a three-figure mark as he got out on 79. Notably, when India looked to be in a bit of a difficult situation, especially with Shreyas Iyer out of action following a back injury, Axar stepped up and built an excellent partnership with Virat Kohli to bail India out of all the troubles.
Even so, Sunil Gavaskar wanted Axar to hit his maiden international century in the fourth Test. The former India skipper interrupted Axar’s interview with the host broadcaster to share some valuable pieces of advice with the all-rounder and reminded him not to waste the opportunity the next time around.
“Agli baar century miss mat karyega. Kyunki 100 kay itne mauke aate nahi jaldi, toh jab aata hain toh chodiye mat. (Next time don’t miss out on the century. There are very few times when you reach close to a ton and when you do grab the opportunity),” said Gavaskar after congratulating him.
Meanwhile, Axar was surprised by Gavaskar’s gesture and replied with, ‘Thank you, sir.’
Axar, Kohli restored India’s momentum in fourth Test
After a poor bowling performance in the first innings of the fourth Test, India needed their batters to step up and deliver. Shubman Gill started well and hit a magnificent century but soon after his dismissal, things were looking a bit difficult as Virat Kohli hadn’t been succesfull in converting his starts in the recent games.
However, the 34-year-old stepped up and hit his 75th international century to bring India back into the game. Axar Patel in the meantime supported him well in the middle as their partnership of 162 runs proved to be very important for the hosts as the Rohit Sharma-led side took a lead of 91 runs after the first innings. Now, the bowlers need to perform really well on Day 5 as India are eyeing to win and game and qualify for the WTC final.
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