Akshar Patel and Mohammad Shami was involved in a 52-run stand in Nagpur Test.
The spin all-rounder was well supported by pacer Mohammad Shami (37 off 47 balls) as India racked up 400 in their first innings, stretching their first-innings lead to a massive 223 runs.
After India’s victory by an innings and 132 runs, Akshar and Shami opened up on their 52-run partnership in a video released by BCCI.
During the interaction, Akshar asked Shami what he was thinking when he came out to bat with such confidence.
“You came in with such confidence, what were you thinking?” asked Akshar.
To this, Shami replied: “I was given a role, I was told to bat as long as I could. They told me to be patient but that did not happen.”
Akshar then told Shami that he kept telling him to play slowly, and the fast bowler kept smashing sixes.
“I kept telling you to play slowly, and you kept hitting sixes,” said Akshar.
Shami, while laughing, said his ego was getting hurt by Akshar comments.
“My ego was getting hurt (laughs). I try to bat as long as possible and stop the bowler from picking my wicket, and try to take as much responsibility as I can. And we also learn from you guys, about how to play some shots. My mindset was also just to stick around with you for as long as I could and will try to do the same in the future as well,” the pacer stated.
Akshar Patel went on to say that the contribution of lower order is always beneficial for the team.
“With how the wicket was playing, when the lower order contributes, it’s very beneficial for the team. So I was just looking to spend as much time in the middle, so that our bowlers could benefit in the next innings. After I got set, then it became easier. I hope we can continue to play this way in the future as well and put up many more big partnerships,” Akshar added.