'I wasn't with the team...' - Axar Patel opens up on controversy related to support staff ahead of T20I series against England

India's new vice-captain of T20Is, Axar Patel, addressed the media on Monday morning and spoke about various things, including the ongoing controversy related to the support staff. Axar wasn't present in Australia and hence, refused to comment on the incident. However, he clearly said that they are taking help from the management during the practice sessions going on for the upcoming England series. 

"Regarding support staff, I wasn't with the team for the last three months so I don't know what happened in Australia but here the support staff is the same and we have been discussing on what we want to do in matches. Whatever inputs we want, we talk to the batting or bowling coach accordingly. In T20Is, it is a fast game, so we talk about important decisions quickly, so that’s what we talk about, what my (or anyone’s) role is," said Axar Patel during the presser. 

The England series will start on the 22nd of January at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Indian team for the 5-match T20I series, and Rohit Sharma will come as the ODI captain for the 3-match series. At that time, Shubman Gill will be the team's vice-captain. 

From No.3-7 everyone has been told to remain flexible: Axar Patel

Axar Patel cleared the air about the batting position of the players and said that except for the openers, no other position is fixed in the team. The management has instructed the players to be ready to bat at any position and in any situation throughout the entire series. Well, this might be a controversial move but if the players manage to adapt to the situation well, it will be beneficial. 

"Batting-wise, Our openers are fixed, and from No.3-7, everyone has been told to remain flexible. Anyone can come up anytime, depending on the situation and matchups. Be it floater or finisher. There's no fixed position for anyone batting at No. 3-7," said Patel.