Virat Kohli lets me bowl with a free mind, says Axar Patel

Axar Patel lauded skipper Virat Kohli for the liberty he provides the bowlers. Patel said that Kohli has given him the freedom and confidence to bowl as he wants to. "The captain backs you when you do well. I have been playing from the second ODI. He gives me the freedom to bowl what I want to. He leaves it to on us (him and Chahal) to decide on what to do.

Axar Patel finished with splendid figures of 2-20 in the first T20I v NZ

"He says if that plan doesn't succeed even then I will back you, which gives us confidence to bowl with a free mind," said the lanky left-arm orthodox, who had splendid figures of 2 for 20 in four overs in the first T20 International in Delhi.

Patel also made it clear yesterday in the pre-match media conference that he does not consider himself as a substitute of Ravindra Jadeja in the limited overs format and will "automatically" get selected if he is doing well.

Patel, who has been preferred over seasoned pro Jadeja, has played eight ODIs since August taking 10 wickets and more importantly has been economical in most of the games. "I have got a place in the team and that's why I am playing. I am of the view that if I do well in one game, I will automatically be picked in the next match," Patel said.