Openers Have Fixed Roles, Others Must Stay Flexible with Batting Positions: Axar

Asked if being a floater in batting order applies to him too, the all-rounder replied: ".it's not just about me; it applies to everyone in the team.

Openers are the only ones with a fixed slot in the Indian T20 line-up and the batting order that follows will be made up of "multiple floaters", new vice-captain Axar Patel said on Monday while spelling out the team's strategy ahead the five-match series against England. India will start their campaign against England in a five-match T20I series at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

Asked if being a floater in batting order applies to him too, the all-rounder replied: ".it's not just about me; it applies to everyone in the team.

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"Right from the start of 2024, we had decided to have a fixed opening slot, and from No. 3 to No. 7, everyone has been told to be flexible based on the situation, combinations, and match-ups."

Axar, meanwhile, is also part of team management for this series. While speaking, it reminded one of Rohit Sharma's interactions before the 2023 ODI World Cup wherein he called for flexibility in middle-order.

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"There is no fixed position where a particular batter will always play.it's the same for everyone in that range (between Nos 3 to 7), depending on who is having a great day, which we assess during practice sessions.

"In T20 cricket, it's all about utilising the right batter in the right situation."

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Not much changes for Axar as deputy to Suryakumar Yadav except the fact that he will now also be part of certain hard calls that are taken by the team management.

"When you come into the leadership group, obviously you have to take some harsh decisions. Those also we have spoken about. It is about having a genuine opinion and keeping trust on each other."

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This is the first match of the national team since the Test disaster in Australia and the all-rounder doesn't want to flog the bygones.

"Haan, yeh bhi baat karte hain ki, jo ho gaya woh ho gaya, woh wapas nahin aanewala. It is about taking the positives into our next series," he said.

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Axar also welcomed veteran pacer Mohammed Shami's return to the national set-up for the first time since ODI World Cup final on November 19, 2023. Shami had been struggling with a knee niggle after recuperating from an ankle surgery.

"It's a very positive thing for the team. The last time he played was in the ODI World Cup final, and since his recovery, he has been doing well not only in the Syed Mushtaq Ali but also in Vijay Hazare tournaments," he said while referring to Shami's return to the domestic circuit.

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"Whenever a senior player makes a comeback, it gives a big boost to the team. We all know what Shami bhai brings to the table, whether it's with the new ball or in the death overs.

"His presence, especially with the new ball, is a huge advantage for the team. Hopefully, he continues the same form he showcased in the World Cup."

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