I never look at Jadeja's performances: Axar

Mumbai: He bowls slow left-arm, bats left-handed; often compared with Ravindra Jadeja. Axar Patel earned the India cap after IPL 2014 (17 wickets) but couldn’t hold on to the spot. The 22-year-old once again knocked the selectors’ door after pulling off the first hat-trick of the ongoing season – the 14th overall.

Against Gujarat Lions, the Kings XI Punjab youngster dismissed Dinesh Karthik, Dwayne Bravo and Jadeja in consecutive deliveries and finished with figures of 4/21.

Read: Kings XI ride on Axar Patel hat-trick, stun Gujarat Lions

Every hat-trick is special and it is also my first. My hat-trick changed the momentum, the team was losing before. We won two out of the last three matches and have a good chance to catch up with others on the points table,” said Axar, who also slammed two mammoth sixes (remaining unbeaten on 16) to help Punjab to 181 for the loss of five wickets against Delhi Daredevils, eventually beating them by nine runs.

He is hopeful of an India comeback but prefers to live in the present.

I am happy I am able to contribute with both bat and ball. The team looks balanced now but I am taking match by match. I know there is a chance of a national call-up owing to my recent performances. IPL is the gateway to the Indian team but not thinking too much about the other side now,” he added.

Also Read: Axar’s performance was incredible: Murali Vijay

However, the comparison with Jadeja isn’t troublesome for the lad.

We both knew we would be compared but there is no change in our chemistry due to that. We are both Gujaratis, good friends. But I only focus on my performances, I never evaluate or think what Jaddu is doing; I never sit back to judge how his performances are. I never try to emulate or up my game looking at him,” he made himself clear.

India cricketer Murali Vijay took over the captaincy mantle from David Miller in the middle of the tournament and since then, Kings XI looked less beleaguered.

David was also a good skipper but he hadn’t captained in club cricket before. An Indian player knows the conditions best and how to set the field according to the situation. David probably didn’t have the required idea and his batting also suffered. After Vijay took over, there is no pressure on him as a batsman,” added Axar, who isn’t scared to bowl to any batsman in their prime.

Also Read: Ravindra Jadeja reprimanded for showing dissent

Virat Kohli is in a terrific form, even AB de Villiers is also dangerous; so are many others among our opponents. I don’t let their good show affect my bowling. I focus on my strength. As a team, if we invite pressure, we won’t be able to execute our plans,” said Axar, who claimed eight wickets in nine matches so far in the cash-rich league.